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STATISTICS 



SOUTH CAROLINA 



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SOUTH CAROLINA, 



ISCLITDIIfG 



B. IT IS W 



or 1T9 



NATURAL, CIVIL, AND MILITARY HISTORYj 



GENERAL AND PARTICULAR. 



BY ROBERT MILLS, 

0£ SOUTH CAROLINA, P. A. ENGINEER AND ARCHITECT.. 



I love thee, next to Heaven above, 

Land of my fathers ', — Thee I love ; 

And, rail thy slanderers as they will. 

With all thy faults, I love thee still !— MontgoMERI 



PUBLISHED BY HURLBUT AND LLOYD. 

18g6. 






%^V^%^X- A: 



'1>-* \ 



v 



UISTRICf OP SOUTH CAROLINA, 10 WIT: 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the txvetily-eighlh cl;ty of November,; 

cfe*****<jfe in the fifty-first year of the Independence of the United States ot 

t t America, Anno Domini 182G, ROBERT MlLLS,of the said Dis^ 

1j S 
% ' ' Z trict, hath dt'posited in this office the title of a book, the right 

#**■***# whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit : 

" Statistics of South Carolina, including a view of its Natural, Civil, and Mili- 
tary History, general and particular. By Robert Mills, of South Cai-olina, P. A. 
Engineer and Architect. 

." 1 love tiiee, next to Heaven above, 
Laud of my fathers — Thee I love ; 
And, rail th) slanderers, as they will, 
With all thy faults, I love thee still !— Moktgomeht.'-' 

In conformity to an act of t!ie Congress of the United States, entitled, " Aia 
act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts^ 
and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the time there- 
in mentioned." And also to the act, entitled, " An act supplementary to an 
act, entitled, An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies 
of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, dur- 
ing the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the at-ts 
«f designing, etching, and engraving historical prints." 

JAMES JERVEY, 
Clerk of the District Coart of South Carolina.. 



». A. BORRENSTEIW, PRIIvTEB, 

Princeton. JV*. /. 



TO 



JS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 

BY THE AUTHOR. 



Ui. 



FREFAOE 



Three years have nearly elapsed since the 
author of this work had the honor of addressing 
a circular to cdi those gentlemen in this state, 
who had either leisure or inclination to answer 
the various queries proposed, which had refer- 
ence to the natural, geographical, political, agri- 
cultural, and literary history of their section of 
the country. During this period, the author has 
received from several of these gentlemen, much 
valuable information relative to these subjects. 
He is also indebted for some interesting statistic 
cal matter to " Ramsay's History of South Caro- 
lina," "Dalcho's Church History," and " Drayton's 
South Carolina." 

Much labour has been bestowed in prepa- 
ring this work ; in order that it might serve as ao 
appendix to the author's "Atlas of the State." A 
correct idea of the several sections of the state, could 
iiotbeformedvvithout it. The numerous professional 
avocations of the author, must be offered as an apo- 
logy, for whatever deficiencies may here be found. 
To advance the interests and honor of his native 
state, has been with him always paramount. 

The oatiire of this work allows only a con- 
densed view to be taken of the .various subjects 
^ which it contains, namely: The naiw-al liistoTy of 



\1 

the country; its first settlement^ pros(r ess" in popula- 
tion, wealtli^ and politital aggrandisement ; the re- 
volutions which established its independence; its 
government^ resources, military operations, ^c. Every 
particular connected with these subjects, will be 
sought after with avidity, by the rising generations, 
and be increased in interest, as the state advances 
to maturity. 

A glorious destiny awaits South Carolina, when 
sbe shall have consummated her system of Interfial 
Improvement — when her numerous deltas shall be 
reclaimed ; those rich and inexhaustible tracts that 
border her rivers, the cultivation of one of which 
would exceed, in the value of its products, the agri- 
cultural wealth of a whole state. 

Even under the present limited culture of the 
soil, South Carolina stands at the head of the Union 
in respect to the value of her products. How im- 
mense therefore would be her physical powers, were 
the best portions of her territory brought into suc- 
cessful cultivation, now lying in a slate of nature, 
where vegetation riots in primitive luxuriance !* 

The author, before closing, would tender to 
those gentlemen wdio have so kindly given their at- 

• An intelligent traveller tlirovinli this state, makes the'follovving' 
vemarks: "South Carolina is hijrhly respectable and important; its 
ye?onrces are immense; its surface and soil exceedino-ly various, ne 
well as its produce. Its low lands, its middle region, and its rrtountain 
tracts, seem so many different countries. There are to be found 
Switzerlands and Hindoostans. and here also an intermediate region. 
Too much cannot be done by it^ citizens, to improve its natural re- 
soiiirces. 



Vll 



tention to the different requisitions they were trou- 
bled with, his hest aekaovvledgemeiits, for ihe very 
polite manner with which they have personally ad- 
dressed themselves to him on this occasion. Tiie 
zeal manifested by them in this undertaking, does 
them great credit, and they have the satisfaction to 
reflect that they have contributed to a work, which 
when perfected, will constitute the best basis for 
the statesman and philosopher to rest his claims to 
public attention upon, and the surest foundation up- 
on which political speculation can be founded. 

All are interested in this work, whether citizens 
of our own, or of other states and countries ; espe- 
cially such whose circumstances, political or per- 
sonal, should induce to emigrate. No country on 
the habitable globe, offers the same advantages to 
the cultivator of the soil, with South Carolina ; and 
waen it is proved to possess equal health with any 
part of the Union ; superior pros[)ects to reward the 
toil of industry ; a gf vernment liberal, free and 
independent, having a single eye to the weal of the 
country; and a people hospitable, generous, and 
liberal in their views ; — when all these advantages 
are known to be possessed by this state, no one 
can doubt the result — that South Carolina must 
increase rapidly in population, wealth, and politicaj 
power. 



€OK'TE!MTS. 



Natural History, „„.,-, i7 

Geology and Mineralogy, - - - - 27 

Botany, ([ndigenous,) , . « - 66 

> , (Exotic,) . . - - -93 

Animals, »=.,-»-- 100 

Birds, - - ~ =• - - ib. 

Serpents, ~ - - „ . . 102 

Insects, - - ~ - - - ib. 

Fish, - - - « - 103 

Aborigines of the Cocktrt, - - .•« 104 

Physical Featores, . « « » 130 

Climate — Health — Diseases, - - - - 133 

Soil — Productions, - - _ „ „ I49 

Rivers and Canals, - - « » „ 15g 

CoMMERrE, _ „ . . „ 150 
Civil History, -.,-=. m 

First Settlement, ■»-»■-•= ib,. 

Population, - „ „ . „ . I73 

Situation, Boundaries, and Extent, - „, , 177 

Government, - - - - - . 178 

Constitution of the United States, - - Appendix, Bo 

Constitution of South Carolina, - ,, „ ib. 

List of Governors, » - - « |9J 

Political Divisions, ■» - =. ., „ jg^ 

Judiciary, - - .. ~ „ I95 

Revenue— Resources, - - ™ * „ 203 

Table of Expenditures in t&n years, ... g07 

Debt of the State, » - . . „ £08 

Taxes, - - « . _ - ib. 

Statistical Table, - - «. „ - 21! 

Bank of the State — College—Lunatic Asylum, ■> « 2 3 

Public Buildings, - « -, . » ib 

Internal Improvement, - » . .. jb^ 

Fiscal Department, ~ . „ „ - ib 

Principal Oificers of the Government, ■= » „ 215 

Penal Code, - . . , ^ ^ -jgiy 

Ecclesiastical History, « „ . , ^IQ 

Military History, - - . . 219 

Militia System, . „ ,, _ ^ og>.> 

MlS«EJ>fi,ANJE»FS, ^ -, ., , ,^ «g,l 

B 



DISTRICT STATI3TU*. 



^ Abbeville,* 


- 


- 


Barnwell, 


- 


- 


.Beaufort, 


- 


_ 


.Charleston, 


- 


- 


The City, 






Munxipal Regulations, 


- 


- 


Pop Illation, 


- 


- 


Commerce, 




- 


Hiubor, - 


- 




Public Buildings, 


- 


- 


Benevolent Associations, 


- 


. 


Medical and pUier Societies, 


- 


College, Academies, and Free.; 


schools, - 


Public Journals, 


. 


« 


Markets, 


- 


- 


Sullivan's Island, 


- 


- 


Steam-boats and Mill?, 




- 


Miscellaneous, 


Page. 


* 


Chester, 


489 


Lexington, 


Cb.esterfield, 


496 


Marion, 


Colleton, 


502 


Marlborough, 


Darlington, 


512 


•iNewberry, 


Edgefield, 


519 


" Orangeburg, 


Fairfield, 


536 


■ Pendleton, 


Gcorgetovm, - 


556 


' Richl&nd, 


Greenville, 


571 


> Spartanburg, 


Horry, , 


579 


Sumter, 


Kerihaw, 


■ 585 


* Union, - 


Lancaster, 


595 


Williamsburg, 


Laurens, - 


604 


■York, 



348 
358 
365 
3U5 

395 

396 
ib. 
399 
404 
428 
436 
437 
439 
424 
425 
428 
440 

Page, 

en 

622 

- 629 
639 
656 

- 671 
692 

- 724 
739 
754 

- 765 
771 



• Each district is examined under the following heads :— -History of the set- 
tlement, origin of its name, situation, boundaries, soil, adaptation to particular 
prooucts, towns, villages, water-cdurses, (navigable or otherwise,)roads,brid;v- 
es anJ ieiries, value of land, price of grain, of labor, expense of living, value 
of produce, market, timber -trees, fruit trees, climate, diseases, instances of 
longcvuy, population, comn)erce, manufactures, (domestic and other,) taxes, 
repvc mentation, number of poor, expenses, deaf and dumb, blind and lunatic 
persons, etiucation, (^publie and free schools,) religions sects, eminent men, 
na:nr's oi places, (Indian or oilier, worth notice,) rocks, granite, freestone, 
soa'psione, limestoue, miuetals and metals, agricultui-al and other societies, H- 
biai'ies, state of learning and the arts, fish, game, birds, (migrator)- or qtiier- 
>vJSi-,; catiie, shec;), &'-., wa'ste lands, swamp, quantity reclaimed, remarkablj; 
gnoi ,)fbud ,cas3ai, cuitoms, amuseuients, wliat improvemets ssjitj to !ve 
wauling miscellaneous. 



%i»ti»Htu 



OF 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 



NATURAL HISTORY. 

There was a period, when all this country was covered 
by the sea; — when even the tops of the hiti;hest mountains 
were buried beneath the waters of the ocean. 

Evidences of this fact are so numeroys, that no one ac- 
quainted with natural history and g;eolotiy, now questions 
it.* The mountains of the Pyrenees are found, covered 
in the highest parts with calcareous rocks, containing im- 
pressions of marine animals; and even where the impreS'- 
.-sions are not visible in the lime stone, it yields a fetid 
cadaverous odour, when dissolved in acids, owing, in all, 
probability to the animal matters it contains. Mont Per- 
dxt, (of the Pyrenees) which rises ten thousand five hun- 
dred feet, (nearly two miles) above the level of the sea, 
is the highest situation in which any marine remains have 
been found in Europe, In the Jindes they have been ob- 

* In confiTmation of this idea, see Genesis i. 2, 9 ; which clearly 
/proves the J^eptuniun origin of this globe. 



18 

served by Humboldt, at the hei2;ht oi fourteen thousand 
feet, (more than two miles and a half,) 

That every part of the dry land was once covered by 
\\\e ocean, is what all g;.'> legists are agreed upon, and the 
discoveries of ybm/ remains of many genera of quadru- 
peds, once existmg, but which have now disappeared from 
the earth, leads to another fact, not less interesting, and 
which is at the same tim,e coincident with the oldest record 
or traditions of the human race ; namely, that at ?he period 
when these great changes took place, man was not an in- 
habiiant of this planet. * Thus every discovery of science 
mv re strongly corroborates the Mosaic account of the cre- 
ation and deluge, independent of Sacred History and tra- 
dition. 

From these facts we are irresistibly compelled to admit 
one of two co!ic!u>ions ; either, that the sea has retired 
and sunk beneatli its former level; br, that some poiver 
operating from be.ieath, has lifted up the islands and con- 
iincnts, with all their hills and mountains, from the wa- 
tery abyss, to their present elevatiim above its surface. 

Ace rding to theftness of things, we are led to inftiTj 
that in the same ralio of the increase of the population 
of the inrth, was the recession of the sea, and 'he conse- 
quc nt appearance of dry land, whatever were the natural 
causes operating to produce this result, t 

■* See Genesis Chap. i. where from the 1st to the 26th verse it will 
be evident that it was not until the fifth day that any living ihin^^ was 
created, and not until the sixth day that Jtian was created. 

f " In the motion of the earth as a planet," observes Sir Richard 
Phillips, "are doubtless to be discovered the ««perior cawses, which 
convert seas into continents and continents into seas." — These subUme 
c!>.anges are presumed to be occasioned by the progress of the peri- 
heliam point of the earth's orbit through the ecliptii:^ which passes 
from BXlxeme northern to extreme southern AecYmvlion, and vice versa, 
in a certain period of lirne; and the maxima of the central forces 
io the perihelium occasion the waters to accumulate alternately., 



19 - 

The sea has been evidently receding for the last 1500 
or 2000 years, and will continue to recede, probat)ly, 500 
or 600 years longer, in which time considerable accessions 
of territory must be added. The delta of the Mississippi, 
is said to have advanced 50 miles into the gulph of Mexico 
since the' discovery of America. The sea within the space 
of 40 years has retired more than a mile from Rosetta, in 
Ej^ypt, and the mouths of the Amo and Rhone, consist, in 
a great measure, of new lands. * 

upon either hemisphere. During this progress of the periheliuai 
point, the sea is g-radually returning and encroaching in both hemis- 
pheres; — hence all the varieties of marine appearances and accumu- 
lations of marine remains in particular situations ; and hence the suc- 
cession of layers or strata, one upon another, of marine and earth- 
ly remains. It is evident from observations of those strata, that 
these periodical changes have occurred at least three times ; or in 
other words, it appears that the site on which we now stand has been 
three times covered by the ocean, and three times has afforded an 
asylum for vegetables and animals ! How sublime ! How interesting 
—how affecting is such a contemplation ! How transitory therefore, 
must be the local arrangements of man, and how puerile the study 
of the science miscalled Antiquities! How foolish the pride, which 
vaunts itself on splendid buildings and costly mausoleums ! How 
vain the ostentation of large estates, of extensive boundaries, and of 
great empires ! All, all, will in due time be swept away and de- 
faced by the unsparing ocean ; and, if recorded in the frail memori- 
als of human science, will be spoken of like the lost Atalantis, and 
remembered only as a philosophical dream. 

* Numerous instances in every known country might be adduced to 
show, where the sea has retired from some places and encroached 
upon others. In 1546 an irruption of the sea destroyed 100,000 per- 
sons in the territory of Dort, in the United Provinces. In Zealand 
more than 300 villages where overwhelmed, and these remains are 
still visible on a clear day at the bottom of the water. 

Ou the other hand, the eea has, in many instances, deserted the 
land, and by the deposition of its sediment in some places, and the 
accumulations of its sands in others, has also formed new lands. In 
France, the town of Argues Mortes, which was a seaport in the time 
/of St. Louis, is now removed more than four miles from the sea. 
Psalmodi also, in that kingdom, was an island in the year 815, a2<! 
is: no'" '^' "-^r/ic! :;^f gij' "-•^loK! within '^'' ' '-•-»-^. 



y 



a) 

With relation lo our own oountrv we may conclude^ 
tj"ora the fore^ing jxremises, th»t SOOO yeai-s have scarcer 
}y elapsed sii\ee the alluvial j>art of this state >vas coveiv 
cd iu its whole extent by the ocean. At the eommence- 
raent of thi* period, thOv«*€ elevated sunk rid^s, which skirt 
the lower prin>itiv«^ Hae of the stale, very probably, form- 
e*i tlie barri* rs of the sea. The continual washinsrs from 
the uplands, and depositions made by the floods, loaded 
with sxnU strsdually raised its shore. Ttiis dry land then 
became div * ^ ■ " ,> valleys, tormed by the uescentiir.g 
stiYatns; u cys m their 'urn became tilled up^ and 

liarj-o^N-^d to a small ehmael, corresq[>ondin* with the flow 

.Deration of all Rirers, is» t© add uooeas- 
iagtv t uar^tts, «nd by this means gire «?reater 

evv ' ' V Sirx^anas left to follow 

th- . - s by art, wocid eon>ta!idj 

ris in their be*»s, narrow themsetr^ more and more, tiD, 
Kcvxr ■:! their course or ©t ' . would 

form 1- like Kkanner would && irischrca^ 

fin up «nd disappear ; cenr chuuiels wonld theo be foraft> 
ev- . " , " »ver the sur&ee, that 

tb- - . -. .mce each o&er.* 

AU the phe£K>«netka uf hill azKl (ble« mounUio aad raUej, 
tv r every wheie^ »e to :iiea«tM»uof 

w — .- - ivas a «7ad<Nil work, %\-. .„ ..-- .a thisb^si- 

UltuI vanety o* sc« ;erT. this oMJe^c dispiay of mou&tai&s! 
\^ rwseated W> th^ miod in the retro- 

S|x . ..-:•- -^'-^ ^"^^^ ^ c — ■> -e - >-." ..^^ 

we »ow treawJ ^ - ^ zo- 

th.R^ but a T*st expanse of waters c»*Tered aii oeies cciHiny . 
liauted, ors^aiafiy^ «&*• hir« beea ts»e perfiiie of earth. 



\ 



21 

[compared to what it is now] wliich appeared above its 
stii-facf, yet if sufficed for the purposes, then required by 
living animals, and for man. The mind is lost in admira- 
fion at the greatness and wisdom of hat power, who could 
so order the operations (<f th;s vast spliere, th 4 this earth's 
surface should undergo such, changes, as would best suit the 
fitness of things : — that p.s men and animals multiplied, the 
land ner-ossary to subsist them snouid also inrr ase. Who 
knows, but before the finai consummation of all things, 
[wh: n this earth and all that therein is, shall be burnt uj),] 
that the majestic ocean, whicti now covers tkrea fijths of 
the globe, shall dwindle into a more lake, and the habita- 
tions, now of sea anim;jls, snyll become the habitation of 
human bfings — circumstances which have already occurred 
in ages that are p.ist ! 

According to tradition, prophecy, and the order of nature 
we are led to look forward to a continual accession of dry 
land, and a consequent reduction of the ocean.* 

'' The 'phenomena connected with the formation of metals, minerals, 
and the various calcareous and other rocks, are to be traced from the 
primitive state of the s^iperficial parts of the globe, which the celebra- 
ted Kirwan supposed to have been originally in a soft liquid state, pro- 
ceeding from solution in water, heated at least to 33', (of Wedgwood) 
and possibly much higher. This menstruum must have held in solu- 
tion all the different earths, the metallic, and semi-metallic ; the saline 
and the inflammable substances : being a more complex menstruum than 
has ever since existed. In this fluid, its solid contents coalesced and 
crystallized, according to the laws of electric attraction : quartz,, 
feldspar, and mica, constituting j^ranite, gneiss, &,c. he supposes to be 
first deposited, with various metallic substances, particularly iron. In 
other tracts, according to the predominant proportion of the ingredi" 
ents, were formed siliceous schistus, porphyries, jaspers, &c. with ar- 
gilites, hornblende, slates, serpentines, and other primeval stones ; and 
the metallic substances meeting, and combining with sulphur, formed 
the pyretous substances, and sulphureted ores. With the sulphur al- 
so, petrol would enter into combination. By the crystallization of 
^ese immense m.asses, a prodigious quantity of heat must have beei.> 



22 

South Cfirolina is equally divided between the primitive 

and alluvial n-iiion [according to JM'Clurt's s , stem.] 

g-encrateil and incroasod by the decomposition of the water, intercept- 
ed in tlie precipitated ferruginous particles, and by thedisengagenient 
of inflanmiablo air, even to incundepcence ; the o.vygon uniting with 
the inliaimnablo air, and bursting into liame. This stupendous con- 
llagr!Uu)u, supported also by the sulphureted carbonic, bituminous 
substances, unist have rent and split, to an unknown extent, the so- 
lid basis on which the chaotic liuid rested. From the heated chaotic 
fluid must have been extricated the o:V)/g-m and mephific airs, wliich 
gradually formed the atmosphere. From the union of oxygen with 
the ignited carbon proceeded the carbonic acid, or the Jlred air, the 
ahsi>rption of which, as the ciiaotic ilnid cooled occasioned the crys- 
tall zafion and deposition of the calcareous earth." The immense 
masses, concreted and deposited by tlie combination and crystalliza- 
tion of the several earths on ihe nucleus of the gldbe, foj-med the 
primitive nwiintnins. The formation of plaim- took place from the 
subsequent deposition in the intervals of distant mountains, of mat- 
ters less disposed to crystallize : sucli were argillaceous and ferrugi- 
nous particles, and such panicles of other earths, as were too distant 
from each other's sphere of attraction to concrete into crystals. The 
level of the ancient ocean being lowered to the depth of several thou- 
sand feet, then, and not before, it began to be peopled by i-sh. That 
the creation vffixhs was subsequent to the emersion of the tracts just 
mentioned, is, Mr. Kirwan thought, to be proved, by no marine shells 
or petrefactions being found in tracts elevated above the heighr of 
14,000 teet, and reciprocally, of the mountains containing- petrefac- 
tions. none reaches beyond the height of 14,000 feet. After this ele- 
vated tract of the globe had been uncovered by the retrea* of the sea 
to its bed, there is no reason to believe that it remained long divested 
of veget.ibles, or unpeopled by animals; being in every respect, fated 
to receive them. This retreat of the sea trom our present continent 
was not etlected, it is supposed, until the lapse of several centuries ; 
this is proved by the vast accumulated heaps of fossil shells, in inland 
situations, and the discovery of trees and vegetables m great depihs, 
of our modern continents: and from the appearance of strafitied 
mountains,, formed by gradual deposition ; and thus entombing fish, 

* The fofmatioii of fixed air bcin"; subsequent to the f.M-mallon of the 
pnraevrtl stouos, Mr. Ivirwan thinks, appcurs tVom iho calcareaus eAi'tb beijjg 
foaud iu the composition of priniovul stones, in a caustic state. 



k 



The alluvial, extends about 100 miles from the sea 
coast, and the prifi.ilive occupies the if^st of the htate. 
Within the first is found the marine shell, lime srone, and 
its attendants. The upper boundary of this rcg;ion is De- 
marie's Ferry on Savannah river ; frum thence it extends 
in a direction to strike the Beaver Creek hill, the nee by 
Swmterville, through the lower end of Darlington district, 
cro'^sing Jeffei'ies' creek, into Marion dislric!, and through 
North Carolina, furming a lin^; neatly partiilel with the sea 
cfiast. The lower boun; arv is not exactly a>cf-r:;iincd, 
though it has be.ii traced below Broad river, in lJeauf;rt 
di.itrict, in a compact solid slate. 

Vv ithin the priuiiiive formation is found thf^ granite, and 
its attendanis. Thi- lower boundary of the granite [ot pri- 
mitive format'f)n] bf-gins just abo-.e Hamburg, or Augus- 
ta, on Savannah river, pfisses a little bcluw Columbia, one 
mile above Camden, a little above Cheraw, and extends into 
Nor'h Carolina, just abf*ve Fa) ett(: villi.-. 

The upper boundiTy has been traced 13^ mihs to the 
N. E, of GreenVilie Court -hrjuse. No cornet information 
has be..i. obtained yet whether it runs parallel to tlie lower 
boundary or not. The granite is followed by a rock, partak- 

ahells, wood, &c. The retreat of the sea continued probably until a 
few centuries before the deluge, which Mr. Kirwan conceives to have 
originated in, and proceeded from the great southern ocean below the 
equator, and thence to have rushed on the northern hemisphere, 
spread over the arctic region, and then to have descended south- 
wards. During this elemr-ntal conflict, he supposes the carbonic, 
and bituminous matter must have run into masses, no longer suspen- 
sible in water, and have formed stra' a of coal ; the ralces of iron, 
gradually reduced by the contact of i, t rnen, and precipitated with 
the argillaceous, and siliceous particles, forming basaUic masses, 
which split into columns by df-ficcation. The eruption of fixed, or 
oxygen air, would form cavities in which by subsequent infiltration, 
cakedmies, zeolytes, olioins, spars, <^-c. m;ght be formed. 

This system of Mr. K's agrees with the geological facts related by 
Moses, not only in substance, but in the order of their succession. 



24 

ing of the nature of granite and gneiss, which continued 
on and pass s about 6 miles ab ^ve Greenville court-house, 
where well characterized gneiss appears, and covers the 
whole country in a Lne running between that point and 
one mile beyond Green river, in North Carolina, on the 
road to Ashville. 

The granite is covered in pai't by primitive clay slate. 
In one place it commences a little above Bull Sluice, or 
about 2i miles from Columbia on the Dutcli Fork road; 
and goes on to Spring Hill, beyond which it is not found. 
This rock appears also on the Wateree, near the AVateree 
canal. It does not seem to spread uninterruptedly, for on 
the Saluda, at twelve or thirteen miles above Columbia, the 
granite appears in several places and on the surface of the 
grounds. 

Lime Stone. — The first appearance of Lime-stone in 
this state is in Spartanburg district, at the head of Thickety 
creek, 5 miles from Broad river. It is found also in Yurie 
district, about Dear's ferry, on Broad river, near Buffalo 
creek, extending into King's mountain, and in Pendleton 
district, on the head waters of Seneca or Keowee river. 

All the appearances of Lime stone are in spots, not be- 
ing yet found in a connected state. 

Tlie great range of Mountains, running through the Uni- 
ted States, and dividing the waters falling into the Atlantic 
ocean, and [by the Mississippi] into the gulf of Mexico, 
just touches on the N. W. corner of Stmth Carolina, Some 
few spurs make out from it into this state ; the most exten- 
sive of these is the Saluda mountain ; (which f rms the N. 
W. boundary line of the State ;] another makes into it from 
the West, and in the intermediate space, se-.eral short but 
prominent spurs project, all from the Saluda branch : these 
are known under the following names: — the Hogback; 
Glassy; Dismal; Csesar's head ; Sassafras; Table-rock, 
and ih- Estatoee mountains ; dttaciied from these are a 
number of isolated mounds, of which the following are the 



25 

most conspicuous ; — Paris mountain in Greenville ; the 
Glassy, Brown, Pctatoe, and Six mile mountains, in Pen- 
dleton, The most lofty of all these is the Sassatras moun- 
tain. Barometrical admeasurements give it an elevation of 
2,600 feet above the head of the Saluda river ; [Oulenoe 
branch] therefore, if, as has been estimated, the bed of 
this river is 600 feet above the sea^ the height of this 
movjntain is 3,-00 feet above the ocean. It lies in latitude 
35° 3' 46" North. 

The Table Rock is estimated to be 1,110 feet perpendicu- 
lar, above its base. 

The Legislature with a laudable liberality, have, the two 
last years, appropriated a sum of moisey for making a mi~ 
neralogical and geological examination of the State, which 
was commenced the last year by L. Vanuxem, Esq. sub- 
professor of Chemistry and professor of Mmeralog), &c. 
in the South Carolina college. The following is the result 
of this first survey which gives great prouiise of the future- 
Of the minerals colh cted tht re are thirty species, and 
of the rocks ten species. The most important are two 
species of iron ore ; also marble or limestone, p} rites^ 
gold, and oil stones. 

The two species of iron ore are, the magnetic, or gray 
ore, and the hydrate, or brown ore. [1 he only furnace 
in the upper country now in operation which uses the 
brown ore, is the one belonging to Col. Nesbitt in Spartan- ^^^ 
burg district. Two furna( es make use of the gray pre ; mHF 
they are in the districts of York and Spartanburg. It is 
also carried from York to North Carolina, where it is re- 
duced to iron.] The gray ore makes the best iron, either 
for bar iron or castings. This ore is found in abundance 
in York and Spartanburg : in both these djstricts it is con- 
nected with the same rocks and miner ds, and pu.sues the 
sanie direction. The brown ore, thougli in erior to the 
gray ore, in the quality of the metal produced, vet is 

/ D 



26 

more gfm^rally distributed, and nioiv abundant than the 
otler kiiKi. 

In the upper country there ar« two r^ngis ef limes'toue 
havinaf the same direetion, to each other, and parallel to 
the srreat masf< of twks which cover* the state so far as the 
examination has extended. The genei^l directit»a of all 
these rv»cks» is nearly iSorth-EiJ-^t and Stxtth-West. The 
west»^rn range of limestotie, is iii the upper j^rt of Pen- 
dleton : whilst the easient one is met with in Spartanburg 
wid York. They produce excellent lime when hurnt In 
Spartanburg the Itwest-me furnishes very beautiful granu- 
Isur marble. eoMsi^ting of the white, blue, and brown \T»ritj- 
ties ; this latter is new in the arts. 

I he miner^ called pyrites is very abundant in Spartin* 
t»«rat and York. It w:ll be of great value to the state, 
whenever the United Siates 'S depr^v^xi of its foivign ct^m- 
merre, *? it is a rsw material in the n^aking of <soppers5» 
autl alum. To thfs minersl alst^ in s>tch an tvent, must 
we kH>k for Oiir supply of sttlphur, essenlivd to the manu- 
fiaeiure of wtt?ipt>wder. A variety of pyrites containing 
gold, is fouad in S->«rta'^b'^rg at three ditt- r* nt points. 

Ookl ha? been found la Abbeville and ia Sp.irtaf:btirg 
districts. A lump of gold T\-gis picked up last spring on the 
plantstiot) of Mr. John E- Norris. in the Calhoun settle- 
utent. It weighed thirty-two penm-weightiS. A part of 
it is in the collection of the col'ie^. No doubt exists as to 
fte &ct t>f the djseovery. and the spot where found. 

That pcHTtion of Spartanburg district w[>ieh contains 
told, is on middle Tiger ri^-er. n^r the Grv^enviile inoe. 
The gold owes »ts appearance to the decofpposiiion of ihe 
pynte® before roenfioned. When this *old is considered 
MJ connexion with the prvnluc's which pyrites is suscepti- 
♦^ of yielding, it will at no distant period be of importaiw^ 



27 

to Ihe section of country where found, and probably to the 
stale generally. 

In Abbeville district oil-stones are met with in abun- 
dance ; they are considered by workmen as being; equal, 
if not superior to those from Turkey ; which rarely sell 
for less than seventy-five cents a pound. 

So far as information .has been obtained of the upper 
country, there is no likelihood of gypsum being discover- 
ed in any part of it. If found in the State, it will be met 
with in the region of country which lies between Colum- 
bia and the sea- hoard. Besides gypsun>, we may also ex- 
pect to find in that part of the state, the same kind of marl 
which has so greatly contributed to enhance the value of 
the poor lands of New Jersey by the fertility which it im- 
parts to the soil. 

The collection of minerals and rocks consists of upwards 
of five hunured specimens. 



LIST OF MINERALS FROM AJiDEVILLE DISTRICT. 

Gold. 

(ron, (two species) maj^^net or gray ore, both massive and in the forrw 

of sand — titaniferous iron. 
Copper Pyriies. 

Lead Ore, [galena] found in small quantity, and in Indian settlements. 
Kmlin [porcelain clay.] 
Quartz Crystals., [common and amethyst] very abundant — curious 

and beautiful. 
Garnet, greenish yellow, for the first time discovered in the United 

States. 
Epidole. 

Amphihole, variety hornblende. 
Lithoinarge. 

ROCKS FROM THE SAME. 
Gramte, fcommon and horj>blende granite] predominant rock. 



28 



Slenite, [very abundant and beautiful — suitable for ornamental pur- 
poses.] 

Leptinit^. A variety of this rock forms excellent oil-stone. A fraud 
wag put upon the State by using a disintegrated variety of this 
rock as a cement in buildnig the court-house- It ha? no adhe- 
sive property whatsoever. 

Diabase [green stone.]* 

Chuiss. 

MINERALS FROM PENDLETON DISTRICT. 

iron, magnetic or gray ore — same with titanium — hydrate, as yet 

the only species found in sufficient abundance to be worked— 

yellow ochre — pyrites, sulphuret of iron. 
Lead Ore, galena, found in loose soil in Indian settlements only. 
Plumbago, black lead, two localities and in abundance. 
Kaolin, porcelain clay, in abundance on Keowee. The clay which 

Dr. Garden took to England before the revolution, and from 

which a service of China-ware was made, is supposed to have 

been derived from this locality. 
Carbonate of Lime, limestone, granular and lamillar; first variety 

abundant. 
Talc, lamillar. 
Asbestus. A furnace was built in the environs of Verrennes for the 

purpose of extracting silver from this mineral, as it was believed 

to be a silver ore. 
Quartz crystals, very large and fine groups. 
Amphibole, two subspecies, hornblende and actinolite. 
Epidote. 
Tourmaline, variety, schorl, 

ROCKS FROM THE SAME. 

Gneiss, predominant rock — Mica Schiste — Limestone — Granite-- 
Serpentine, mixed with talc or actinolite. 



MINERALS FROM GREENVILLE DISTRICT. 

Iron, oligiste or red oxide, same as the Elba— hydrate very abundant? 
and was worked for iron— yellow ochre- --pyrites. 

* All the best soil of the upper country has arisen from the decom- 
position of rocks, whose composition is similar to green stone, and of 
gneiss also, whose mica is black. 



Lead Ore, galena, in small quantity. 

YUro Columbite, confai: s the Columbium and earth yttrie. 

T'ittnhtm., oxide — silico ca,icareous oxide. 

Emerald. 

Tourmaline, schorl. 

Sulphate of Barytes. '■'■ ' ' 

Feldspar, lamillar, with blue tourmaline. Do. with dendrites of 

manganese. 
Kaolin. 
Lithomarge. 
Quartz crystals, transparent and opaque, some very fine, also rose 

quartz. 
Sulphur, in small particles arising from the decomposition of pyrites 

ROCKS FROM THE SAME. 

Gneiss, the predominant rock — Granite — Diabase or Green Stone 



MINERALS FROM SPARTANBURG DISTRICT. 

Gold. 

Pyrites, common, very abundant, from which sulphur may be obtain- 
ed, and copperas formed ; also alum, as feldspar in several of its 
localities forms a part of the matrix. — Auriferous occurs in crys- 
tals, the pentagonal dodecahedron deeply striated, some of the 
crystals are very large. One of them in the collection weighs 
six and a half pounds. 

Do. White. 

Iron, magnetic or gray ore, very abundant ; it is worked for iron- 
Hydrate, very abundant ; appearing to result from the decom- 
posiiion of garnet, also wo'ked for iron — Specular, red oxide. 

Titanium, oxide, silico calcareous oxide. 

Plumbago. 

Garnet, common and precious. 

Tourmaline, variety schorl. 

Staurotide. 

Disthene. 

Feldspar, lamillar. 

Talc, scaly and schistose, or French chalk. 

Phosphate of Lime- 

Asbestus. 

E^fidote, 



30 

Quartz crystals, 

Amphibole, the subspecies hornblende, tremolite and actinolite, 

ROCKS FROM THE SAME. 

Gneiss, predominant rock — Granite, common and graphic — Mica- 
schiste — Talco-Mica-Schiste — Marble, or granular limestone-^ 
Diabase — Leptinite — Quartz, granular — Hyalomicte, graisen. 



MINERALS FROM YORK DISTRICT. 

Iron, magnetic or gray ore, very abundant, being worked for iron- 
blank oxide with chrome-— hydrate. 
Pyrites, common, magnetic. 

Lead Ore, galena, it is tbund in the rock but in small quantity. 
Sulphate of Barytes, two localities and in great masses. 
Corundum, adamantine spar. 
AsheMus. 

Talc, French chalk. 
Garnet. 
Hyatin Quartz, very transparent, in large pieces and fit for jewelry. 

ROCKS FROM THE SAME. 

Granite, aommon, porphyritic, hornblende— Mica-Schiste— Gneiss 
'"Leptinite— Diabase— QwaHr, schistose — Cklorite-Schiste. 

Sonne years ag"* an experiment was made in Charleston 
by Mr. Longstreet, to obtain pure water. He penetrated 
the earth 57 feet : 20 feet was by excavation in the com- 
mon way, but the cavity filled so fast with muddy brackish 
%vater, that he abandoned this plan, and resorted to boring, 
by which he succeeded to reach 37 feet more, when the 
water rushed up the tube to wiihin 6 feet of she surface, 
yielding 15 gallons in a minute, and re!«embling common 
well water in taste and appearance, th'>u_si,h purer. 

After expending one thousand dollars, the wcrk was sus. 
pended, and the only advantage that resulted from it was, 
a little further iiiform^ition of the interior of that porti'-n of 
the State, on which Charleston is budt. The following 
were the stratas of earth passed through : the first 11 feet 



31 



exhibited nothing uncommon ; the next 18 inches, was a 
black marsh mud and sand ; 20 inches further, a yellow 
sand and clay, which suddenly chanjjjed, resumed the black 
appearance, and gradually became mud. Next occurred 
oyster, clam and conch shells, many entire : this extended 
3 feet. A yellow sand, intermixed with powdered shells 
was then presented, and continued for two feet. Between 
the twelfth and twentieth feet was mud. The soil between 
the 20th and 4(>th feet, was a continued dry, stiff, black 
elay ; of such a cons'stence as to bear the chisel or plane, 
and to be capable of being cut into any shape ; knives were 
sharpened on it. Another stratum of shells presented itself 
for the next 2 feet. The black clay succeeded, but less 
rigid tiian the former, and soon terminated in sand ; in de- 
scending two or three feet further the water rushed up, 
which stayed proceedinajs. On analyzing this water, a 
small portion of common salt was found to be contained in 
it, less howevt r than in C'mmon wells. 

An idea seemed long to be entertained of the existence 
of subterraneous streams of water running to the ocean, 
from distant high lands ; which if struck upon, by boring, 
would rise up and overflow the surface, in pr')porti.)n to its 
original source. Because such occurrences had taken place 
in other countries, a conclusion was drawn, that the same 
results would follow, by pursuing the same plan, in Charles- 
ton. But it ought to have been remembered that no in- 
stance of this kind ever happened in the alluvial region. 
In the primitive country there is every prospect of suc- 
ceeding in obtaining a constant overflowing stream, af- 
ter striking a branch of the elevated fountain. Now the 
low country of South Carolina presents a bed of poruus 
materials, through which all the waters that are gathered 
above, diverge, and uninterruptedly pass to the ocean, ex- 
cept what are collected in artificial pits or wells dug for 
this purpose. 



No prospects of success can be anticipated below the 
granite region to procure an overflowing stream by bor- 
ing. 

Some short time ago a second experiment to procure wa- 
ter by boring, was orlered to be made under the authori- 
ty of the City Council : the author of this worl; was vvrit- 
ten to on the subject by one of the committee, and 2;ave it 
as his decided opinion that the effort would be unavailing. 
In ibis idea he was strengthened by the opinion of two of 
the most distinguished geologists in the United States, 
Dr. Thomas Cooper, and Mr Vanuxem. These gentlemen 
considered such a prospect unsupported by any data of fact 
or reason, on natural principles. The result has proved 
the correctness of that opinion. So sanguine however 
were the cimmittee, of success, that the experiment went 
on ; after boring the earth 335^ feet no water was met 
with but what leaked in from the surrounding strata. 

In a geological point of view, this experiment was valu- 
able, as no instance occurs in the alluvial country of any 
part of the world, of such a depth being penetrated be- 
fore. * 



* The following are the characters of strata passed through in 
this deep boring, communicated by Dr. P. Moser. 

The first seven feet presented the common yellow sand and loam, 
thence to the depth ot 19 feet quick sand, (which made a most formida- 
ble resistance to the auger,) next foot red clay, making 20 feet, thence 
to 22 feet shells of various kinds, (as oysters, clams, conchs, and the 
varieties of small shells usually found on the sea beach, with some 
sand,) from 22 to 27 feet, a bright bluish colored mud with a small 
mixture of clay, which on burning became the color of the gray 
brick. From 35 to 41 feet, blue mud, sand and various shells. From 
41 to 43 feet, deep colored blue clay, of a very line texlure and ex- 
ceedingly tenacious; 43 to 46 feet, calcareous earth, shellc; and white 
sand; 46 to 54 leet, there appeared by the sudden sinkmg of the au- 
ger, a fissure or separation of the stratas, soft mud, water, and a lit- 
tle sand ; 54 to 61 feet blue clay, calcareous earth, and some decay- 



38 

In the proo;ress of Improvement in, the state, several 
phenomena have been developed, which confirm what has 
been already advanced, relating to the changes this country 
has undergone. 

ed wood, so soft, that it only could be ascertained by the appearance 
of its fibres. 61 to 67 feet a course sand or gravel of a blue colour, 
which on exposure to air became of a light ash color ; when moist- 
ened with water it appeared to partake of the nature of quicksand, 
and evidenced the correctness of the conjecture by making so much 
opposition to the sinking of our last iron tubes [which were 6 inches 
in diameter, and 4 and a half inches in bore,] that for every inch the 
auger descended it filled in the bore about 3 feet, again to be bored 
out; this kept us at hard labor more than six months, when to the 
great gratification of the Commissioners, and relief of the laborers, 
on the 12th of January 1824, the pipes settled firmly at 67 feet on a 
strata of olive colored clay marl, which, when heated, became of a 
white color ; and so well preserved its arch as to render additional 
pipes unnecessary. The auger penetrated this strata with the 
greatest facility, which did not vary, from 67 feet [from its surface] 
to 223 feet 9 inches : here it appeared less tenacious and on washing 
gave out one tenth part of very fine white sand. From 223 feet 9 
inches to 253 feet the strata the same, nearly with the one eighth 
part of sand. From 253 to 254 feet calcarious earth and small 
stones, so solid that the auger was bent in penetrating it. From 
254 to 263 feet, white clay marl; here the auger rested on a hard 
carbonate of lime which it could not penetrate ; here also fresh wa- 
ter forced itself above the surface two feet, evidencing a new spring, 
and the hopes of the Commissioners were elated ; but whether its 
course became changed on penetrating the hme strata, or it was 
not cleared sufficiently is uncertain, but in half an hour it again 
bsided five feet; 263 to 264 feet solid carbonate of lime; which requir- 
ed a cast steel drill to penetrate 264 feet 3 inches to 266 feet 3 inches 
soft mud; thence to 267 feet 3 inches a hard carbonate oflime; thence 
270 feet 6 inches a soft carbonate oflime. From 270 feet 6 inches car- 
bonate of lime,more bard than the last,particularly;its crust or surface, 
but was penetrated by the augei alone. At 274 feet, rested on a car- 
bonate of Ume so very hard that it required the uiiited efforts of six 
men to turn the drill upon it, aided by a lever above, its surface, and 



34 

The cuts made across peninsulas, near the sea coast, 
have brou2;ht to view quantities of subterraneous Cypress 
timber. An immense tract of country between the Savan- 
nah and Edisto rivers has been found filled with stumps 
and 2;reat lo2;sof this kind of tree, all covered several feet 
below the surface. 

In di2;,s;ing the Santee canal, besides the usual strata of 
clay, mud, sand, and soil, the workmen found under these, 
a stratum of lime stone, of the marine kind ; also a very 
fine white and red clay, resembling ochre. In the course 
of this extended line of digs;ing, were found trunks of trees 
7 feet below the surface ; besides many oyster shells of un- 
common size, and bones of monstrous animals, unlike to 

a relief of six men who worked alternately one day before the drill 
broke through, its thickness was only 6 finches, but the drill sunk 
one foot deeper in a sofler carbonate of lime. From 275 feet 6 inch- 
es to 279, a mixture of clay and mud, next a hard carbonate of lime 
only 5 inches thick, 282 feet 1 1 inches to 287 feet 4 inches clay and 
mud ; thence to 289 a hard carbonate of lime as above- From 289 
feet 4 inches to 291 feet 9 inches, softened clay lime and some sand ; 
thence to 293 feet 4 inches thick hard lime as above, balance same, 
but softer ; 293 feet 4 inches to 295 feet 9 inches, crust 9 inches thick, 
remainder, mixture of soft carbonate and mud, 295-9 to 297-6 soft ; 
lime as above; thence to 300-8 first foot hard lime stone,baJance mud; 
one small piece of the lime stone was here brought up with the au- 
o-er, not having been acted on by the drill,remainder mud ; 300-8 to 
302 hard lime stone, 302 to 308-5 soft carbonate of lime ; next 6 inch- 
es hard crust; 308-11 to 311 soft carbonate and mud ; 311 to 314-3, 
first foot lime, balance a very tenacious clay and soft lime. 31 4-3 to 3 17- 
2,shell, marble, sand, clay, and some thick solid marine shells broken, 
317-2 to 331 blue lime stone rock, 331 to 334, chalk, clay and mud : 
thence a solid limestone rock to 335-4,which was not drilled tlirough : 
when in consequence of a cap screw of the iron rods giving way, be- 
ing much worn,the rods were in part precipitated to the bottom, and 
until recovered must prevent further progress, at least m this spot. — 
JVb<e. Dr. Moser has commenced a second series of experiments in 
boring, in the State arsenal yard. The former was carried on in the" 
poor house yard. 



35 

any which are now known to exist. The latter were 
found S or 9 feet under the ground, and lying so near toge- 
ther, as to make it propable, that they originally belonged 
to one and the same animal. Its size may be conjectured 
from its ribs (one of which was dug up) nearly 6 feet long; 
and from one fo its jaw teeth , which was 85 inches long, 
3^ inches wide, and its root Hi inches long. The depth 
of the tooth from its surface, to the bottom, was 6| inches ; 
the other parts of the skeleton were in a relative propor- 
tion. Teeth of unusual size have been found, as far South 
as Stone swamp, which by the concurring testimony of all 
the negro native Africans that saw them, were the grinders 
of an Elephant. 

Several circumstances, (observes Dr. Ramsay, make it 
probable, that the whole of the low country in Carolma 
was once covered by the ocean. In the deepest descent 
into the ground, neither stones nor rocks obstruct our pro- 
gress, but every where sand, or beds of shells; intermix- 
ed with these, at some considerable depth from the surface, 
petrified fish are sometimes dug up ; oyster shells are 
found in great quantities, at such a distance from the pre- 
sent limits of the sea shore, that it is highly improbable 
they were ever carried there, from the places where they 
are now naturally produced. A remarkable instance oc- 
curs in a range of oyster shells extending from Nelson's fer- 
ry, on the Santee river, sixty miles from the ocean, in a 
south west direction, passing through the intermediate coun- 
try, till it crosses the river Savannah in Burke county, and 
continuing on to the Oconee river in Georgia. The shells in 
this range are uncommonly large, and different from those 
now found near our shores. They are in such abundance 
as to afford ample resources for building and aggriculture. 
In Dr. Jamison's plantation, six miles North East from 
Orangeburg,and about eighty miles from the Atlantic ocean, 
ten hands can raise in a week as many of these oyster 
shells, from their bed, tliough seven feet below the surface, 



36 

as when burnt, \vill yield twelve hundred bushels of lime. 
In digging for them there is nothing but common earth, 
for the first 7 feet, the soil for the next 4 feet is a whitish 
col. red mass, intermixed with shells, of the aforesaid de- 
scription. A blue hard substance resembling stone succeeds 
for tbe next three or four feet ; of this lime may be made, 
but of an inferior quality ; under this is sand, the depth of 
which is unknown. • 

After what has heen said we shall beat no loss to account 
for the formation of our islands on the sea coast; these, 
if left in a state of nature would in time constitute a part of 
the main land : keeping open the navigation of the streams 
will prevent this for a long period, but in the mean time 
considerable accessions of land may be calculated to take 
place, from the depositions made by the fresh water rivers 
flowing through them. Where these islands front on the 
ocean they must expect to undergo occasional changes, 
from the winds and tides but the interior islands must gain 
more and more in their low grounds which are subject to 
be overflowed by freshets. 

Among the natural curiosities of the alluvial country is 
the Moss, (tillandsia usneoides). This curious production 
marks the boundary between the upper and lower count ry. 
In the latter it grows profusely as an appendage to trees 
giving to them the venerable appearance of long pendulous 
gra^^ beards. In hard winters this moss is greedily eaten 
by cattle, and serves for food, till the grass springs. When 
properly prepared it is used as a substitute for hair, iii 
stuffing matresses : it blossoms in May.* 

* This moss is a parasite plant, and very destructive to those trees 
to which it attaches itself. From this circumstance we have with 
regret to augur the total delapidation of those noble avenues of oaks 
in the vicinity of Charleston, it no attention soon is given to remove 
the evil. The decay of these trees, is solely owing to the moss^ 
The expense of removing it would be fully repaid by its value after 



37 

The appearance of this parasitic plant is indicative 
always of extreme moisture, and marks the insalubrity of 
the site. It is mostly found on the margins of water cour- 
ses, but never on the sand ridges. 

In proceeding up the country from the sea shores no 
primitive stones, or rock, are to be found for 100 miles. 
Those occasionally appearing are of the shell lime stone 
species, with now and then a sand stone ; high up the 
Santee, near the junction of the Congaree and Wateree, 
the same is mixed with a portion of iron ore. 

For 15 or 20 miles from the coast, the land rises more 
rapidly than the same distance in the succeeding country : 
the traveller after 15 or 20 miles is not sensible of much 
rise until he approaches the sand hills, (about 40 miles 
further up,) when he finds a considerable and rapid ascent, 
perhaps of 200 or 300 feet, in the distance of a mile or two, 
A broken country then commences, which continues with 
small intervals of plains to the foot of the mountains where 
the elevation is from 800 to 1800 feet above the sea. Here 
•some considerable spires of the allegehany ridge of moun-. 
tains project into the state, the summits of which rise be- 
tween 3 and 4000 feet above the ocean, affording many 
splendid prospects. 

The scenery in this section of the state is sublime and 
beautiful in the extreme ; the eye is never tired with a 
mountainous view ; the landscape is forever varying, and 
every variation affords matter to interest or to delight. 
The mountains between the Chatuga and the Estatoe are 
lofty, narrow ridges, covered with shrubs and trees, hav- 
ing steep contracted vallies between^ (angle of elevation 

wards. The commissioners of the woods, cannot too early take this 
subject into consideration. The destruction of these noble trees 
would prove a serious injury to the comfort and pleati.re of our citi- 
zens : a few years more will effect this, if measures are not taken to 
rectify the evil. This moss robs the tree of nourishment, and pre- 
yen|is it from receiving the vivifying heat of the sun. 



30^ to 60°), and scarcely any tillaliie land. In the bottom 
of those g-!ens,a gelid crystal torrent most generaiiy winds 
its snrglJng way unseen, being concealed by overshading 
laurels (Rhodendrum) so closely intervened, that the hun- 
ter has sometimes to cut his way through them wiih his 
tomahawk, -.vhich for that purpose he c:nTies in his belt. 

'! ! e vale through which the Estatoe flows, after it quits 
its parent mountain, is a fine tract of land, several miles in 
length, and lying wholly in this state ; it runs close to the 
foot of a lofty range of hills on the left ;— on the right, are 
extended the fertile and cultivated plantations that com- 
pose the valley. 

The object that attracts most curiosity and admiration in 
this part of the state, is the Table Mountain. This stu- 
pendous precipice presents a naked Rock on three sides, 
almost perpendicular, of solid granite, 1,110 feet above its 
base. 

This circumstance makes it a sublime and awful specta-, 
cle. The trickling of waters down the sides, has worn 
numerous channels, which give the appearance of a fluted 
surface. These waters, when the rays of the sun fall direct- 
ly on them, look like a zone of brilliants, more beautiful 
than the cestus of Venus. 

The Table rock has been termed the monarch of the 
mountains in this state, from its peculiar character, rising 
so abruptly on the vision. It is situated in the N. E. cor- 
ner of Pendleton district, verging on the line of Greenville, 
(lat. 35° S') and forms the east front of the Sassafras mount- 
ain, (the highest eminence in the state, by barometrical ad- 
measurement, about 3,500 feet above the ocean.) Although 
considerably lower than some of the surrounding mount- 
ains, the whole range of these does not present so magnifi- 
cent an appearance as the Table rock. 

When the foot of the mountain is gained, preparatory to 
an ascent on the Western side, the eye is delighted with a 
stream of water running with such velocity, that it appears 



39 

^tma;glin^; to reach the Pok-noc, one of the tributary streams 
of the Saliula, an the ear ever aud anon catches the sounds 
of cataracts of unequal size, forming; a music in harmony 
with the deep surrounding dell. At this point a most 
beautiful piece of scenery is presented, and so hid from the 
passenger's eye,' that it was discovered accidentally. 

By taking a position on the rocks in the streamlet, and 
looking eastwardly, the eye re<ts upon five cascades of un- 
equal breadth and height. The sides of the stream are 
completely shut-in by the rich foliage of the fir tree, the 
mountain laurel, tulip, holly and chesnul, and form by the 
interlocked branches above, an arch mi ore charming to the 
beholder's eye, than the most labored efforts of art. It at 
once reminds us of the beautiful description of P-,yche's 
residence, vv^lien the urchin Cupid became her admirer — ■ 

— and to her glad survey, 

Rise round her high o'er arching trees, 
Whose branches gemmed with blossoms gay, 

Throw perfumes to the lingering breeze; 
x\nd sheltered from the noon-tide beam — 

Through granite rocks there curling rooted. 
Its silvery waves a lucent stream, 

O'er sands of granulated gold. 

Immediately to the west, a gurgling rill unites its tribu- 
tary waters to this beautiful stream, and the traveller rests 
On a peninsula fitted for the residence of genii and fairies. 
The soil is extremely fertile, and the tall and majestic for- 
est trees, uniting their thick foliage above,- form a most de- 
lightful canopy, entirely impervious to the rays of the 
sun. 

If a more sublime spectacle was not at hand, the most 
fastidious taste would here find every thing that the heart 
could desire, sketched in the most brilliant coloring. 
.From this point o dy the roc.' is to be ii'^cend',.!, ■'■ith- 
ou^danger. On the eastern face, with great risk it has been 



40 

ascended, by the assistance of a rope ladder at one particular 
point. A false step here is fatal, and but few have yet 
hazarded the ascent from this point. On the west, where 
the traveller ascends, it may be rode by a good horseman, 
but even at the point it is difficult to gain the summit. Be- 
fore you reach one half of the distance; the detached 
mountains to the South and West are overlooked, and you 
think the greatest elevation must be at hand. How great 
the disappointment. 

The difficulties are continually increasing, until at length 
you arrive at a delightful spring, forming a beautiful rivu- 
let, completely overshadowed with forest trees. From 
this to the pinnacle, the ascent is more easy ; for about one 
hundred yards of this distance, a naked and solid rock of 
granite is passed over, upon which the imagination can 
trace a variety of animals, and singular figures ; but this is 
imagination only; for upon a close inspection I could not 
see the petrified alligator, nor the indentation of horses, 
feet. — Time alone has made a mark here, and the contin- 
ual force of the sun's rays, together with the descending 
rains, have visibly corroded this apparently imperishable 
monumentof the Deity. 

On ascending to the pinnacle of the mountain, the travel- 
ler is astonished to find the summit clothed with a consid- 
erable growth of trees and shrubbery. So closely are the 
branches interwoven, that it is impracticable to have a 
view of the surrounding country. 

By continuing a course to the Eastern extremity, pas- 
sing a considerable descent for a quarter of a mile, the cele- 
brated cedar tree is gained. Celebrated, because this tree 
is the extreme point, beyond which you cannot go, and to 
reach which fixes the ambition of all. The trunk and 
branches af this isolated tree is a living monument of hun- 
dreds of those that have visited the Table mountain. It is 
filled throughout with the initials of names and dates. Its 



41 

roots seem firmly fixed in a fissnre of »he rock, by the 
abruption of a part of which access is so formed that you 
may safely lean against the trunk. 

The imagination is unable to paint the sensations that are 
here experienced. A recital of facts will be frigid isideed 
to those that have experienced them. — The visitant stands 
upon the brink of apprecipice most awful and terrific ; 
about 1,100 feetof perpendicular granite is at your feet, and 
the only stay a small tree. Gradually the mind becomes 
reconciled to the danger, and begms Ifis'.irely to survey 
one of the richest prospects that can be unfolded to the eye 
of the beholder. 

-The dismal mountain to the north-east seems to pre- 
cipitate itself forward to unite with the Table mountain, 
whilst Slicking creek is descending its sides, as brilliant 
as liquid glass, sometimes falling twenty feet, and in its 
whole course precipitated by the descent with great vio- 
lence to the base of its great parent, where it enters the 
Saluda. 

Next in this chain of mountains is Caesar's Head, the 
Saluda mountains, Panthera Knob, and Hogback moun- 
tain in Greenville. The eye passing over Spartan burgh is 
bounded in its view to the east by Kmg's mountain, in 
York district, about seventy miles distant. To the north 
the horizon is bounded by the Blue Ridge, of towering 
and majestic grandeur. But ihe soutl;, south-east, and 
south-west, presei't the most beautiful prospect. Every 
acre of cultivated land for a vast extent of country is seen. 
The Saluda, which washes the base of the Table Rock, 
takes first a south-west direction, approaching very near 
the Oolenoe, where, like a coy damsel, it suddenly tfi^.es 
an east direction, which it continues for a few miles, when 
it suddenly turns its course westwardly, and units with 
Oolenoe, near the residence of the liospitable Phile:u>.n 
Bradford, so advantageously knovvn to every vne th . vi- 
sits the Table Rock. The tall trees below have the ap- 

V 



42 

pearance of shrubs, and the dwelling houses dwindle to 
the >ize of pig-s es. To (he ou h-wesf, Brown's, the 
p/-)atoe hill, ani Giassy mountains arrest for a moment 
the eye, which immediately hurries on, until it is lost in 
the vast expanse before it. The Six Mile mountain, near 
Pendleton Court-house, is distinctly seen, and the Knob 
in Laurens, is at the horizon in !he south. 

To the south-east, Paris mountain is overlooked, and 
the whole district of Greenville is spread before the de- 
lighted view. 

From the north-east, a continued cataract is heard from 
the side of the Sassafras mountain. Here nature has ex- 
erted herself to unite the wild and majestic with the soft 
and enchanting;, and all that is grand and sublime, is min- 
gled with the rich and luxuriant. The foaming catarac't 
and gentle current, the sterile hills and cultivated valleys, 
the majestic mountains and solitary dells, are united at one 
coup d'oeil, and form one of the grandest spectacles in na- 
ture. To the westward, you see tlie Cur; ehee mountains, 
in Georgia, as well as the intervening mountains in Pen- 
dleton district. 

The next place which commands the attention of the 
traveller is the Joccassa valley. Independent of its ro- 
mantic situation, it has two water falls of extraordinary 
beauty, a particular description of which will be found 
unrier the head of Pendleton. This enchanting spot has 
been long celebrated in song. The following is fr m the 
pen of the late Professor Blackburn, and will be read with 
interest : — 

" Ah ! who can forbear that sweet valley to praise 
Through which the Joccassa meandering strays ; 
Embosomed in mountains — delightful retreat, 
Where Health and Contentment have chosen their seat. 
Where law is unknown, as in primitive times, 
Ere wealth was ador'd, fertile parent ot crimes; 
Where freedom, like air, is in Nature's free plan 



The choicest of blessings bestow'd upon man : — 

And thou lovely White TVaier, what pencil can show., 

The beauties displayed by thy bosom of snow ! 
N^iag-ara may boast of the grand and sublime, 
But thou dost the pleasing and awful combine ;- 
Language fails to express; nor can fancy conceive, 
So charming a sight, as thy wild dashing wave — 

Joccassa, sweet stream, may thy banks ever be 

From the evils of vice and of luxury free. 

On one of the streams of the Toxaway, (of which the 
Jocassa river is a branch) there is a splendid water fall, 
equal in elevation to the falls of Niagara, and possessing 
some of its characteristics. A brief description of tfiis in- 
teresting water fall, will be found under the head of Pen- 
dleton District. 

The Oolenoe mountain is in the vicinity of Table 
inountain. From it a cataract of water descends 6 or 
700 feet ; this forms the southern head branch of Saluda 
river. Indeed all the head branches of this interesting- 
stream, furnish numerous instances of cataracts and pre- 
cipitous water falls, which often surprise the traveller 
whilst rambimg through their luxuriant valleys. 

Proceeding up the state road, leading over the Saluda 
mountain, you pass Prospect hill, which opens to the view 
a most extensive landscape. You stand upon the brow of 
a mountain, elevated about 500 feet above the head of south 
Tyger river. Looking south; and east, and west, a sub- 
lime spectacle presents itself. The mountains and hills 
melt away in the distance, and associate in the mind, the 
idea of the waves of the sea ; so perpetual are the undula- 
tions of the country.— -The prospect is immense, embracing 
an expanse greater than the eye can compass ; the distant 
lands fade away upon the vision, and are lost in the mists 
of the horizun. 

To the west and north, a water-fall glistens on the 
si^ht. To the eas:, si retches the Hogback and Glassy 
mountains. In front, directly south, rises conspicuous^ 



the Paris mountain, behind which, lies the village of 
Greenville. Here and there some superior eminences ap- 
pear, amon^ the innumerable swellings which undulate the 
whole landscape, presenting almost one ma«s of forest, so 
comuaratively small are the spaces cleared, in proportion 
to the surface meeting the eye. With the aid of a little 
imagination, joined to the sound produced by the wind 
sigliing through the branches of the pine, you may almost 
fancy yourself on the shores of the ocean, and hear the 
murmurs of its waters ; so much do the undulations of the 
country below resembie its v/aves. 

The valley of the north fork of Saluda river, presents two 
beautiful water falls, one of which, a short distance north 
from the state road, has a romantic appearance. The stream 
is confined within a narrow barrier of rocks, and trees, and 
precipitates itself from its dizzy height, about 300 feet, al- 
most perpendicular, when it meets with a bed of rugged 
rocks, among the cavities of which it almost loses itself ; 
Its rumbling noise, however, prepares you for his second 
appearance ; again it rushes forth in a broad sheet, and, 
after roaring ai,d tumbling amid the infracted rocks imped- 
ing its course 200 feet more, reaches the peaceful bosom 
of its parent stream, which winds its silent course through 
verdant meads. 

The summit of the Oconee mountain, near the head 
waters of Keowee and Tugaloo rivers, is about 16 or ISOO 
feet above the adjacent country. From it there is a beau- 
tiful prospect into Georgia and of the Cherokee mountain. 
The country between the Oconee and Table mountains, 
aS generally wild, but all the valleys are highly cultivated,* 



* We may compare the boundary of this corner of our state, to a 
huge gigantic mountain wall, cut by nature into benches or ledges, 
each several hundred feet above the other, sometimes retreating 
like steps of stairs, and sometimes projecting, awfully eminent; 
and— as if to claim protection from the N. W. winds — the plantation? 



Among these tnountains a number of pellucid streams 
meander, one of whicit, (a branch of the Keowee, ; m^kes 
first two falls, ol" nearly 50 feet each, then calmly flows 
ab(;ut 200 yards, when it is precipitated upwards of 80 feet. 
This last descent is extremely beautifu? : the rock over 
which it tumbles is m the form of a flight of shoi t steps. 
At its summit it is about 12 feet broad, but it increases as 
it descends to 96 f et. The protuberances, which r; sem- 
ble steps, brt-ak the current into a thousand streams. 
These pourine; in every direction, cover their moss-grown 
channels with foam. The original stream is small and 
turbulent. Although the weight of water is not great, it 
is so dissipated, as to produce a most ffgreeable effect. About 
four miles from the late General Picken's farm, there if? 
another cataract ; to approach which it is necessary for 
visitants, occasionally, to leap, crawl, and climb. The 
mountains rise like walls on each side of the stream, which 
is choked by the .stones and trees, that for centuries have 
been falling into it. The cataract is about 130 feet high, 
and some sheets of the stream fall without interruption 
from the top to the bottoin. All the leaves around are 
in constant agitaiiorj, from a perpetual current of air excit- 
ed by this cataract, and causing a spray to be scatteredj^ 
like rain, to a considerable distance. Another cataract 
may be observed descending from the side of a mountain,, 
about six niiles distant. This is greater and more curious 
than the one just described. 

Paris ihuuntain is situated in Greenville district ; from 
it the Table mountain, the Glassy, the Hogback, the Try- 
on, and King's mountain, are distinctly vi-ible. Many 
farms are also to be seen from this beautiful eminence. 
Tlie rocks on its southern side are adorned with the fra^ 

have extended even to the base of this mighty mound from whiek 
our sister state looks down upon us. In these cultivated vales. 
■Cere's and Pomona seem to reign pre-eminent. 



46 

grant yellow honey-suckle. Reedy river is formed by the 
stivams uhich flow from its surface. A mineral S!)ring 
issues from its side, which is said to cure ringworms and 
other diseasf'S of the skin. 

The (rlassy and Hogback mountains are situated near 
the boundary line of Greenville and Spartanburgh districts. 
The vraiers flowing from them form the sources of the Ty„ 
ger and Pacolet rivers. At their fountains they are too 
cold to be freel)^ drank in summer. On these mountains 
there are four or five snug level farms, with a rich soil and 
extensive apple and peach orchards. Cotton and sweet 
potatoes do not thrive here. The settlements are all situ- 
ated on the sou h side, for the north is unfit for ciiltivalion 
on account of prodigious rocks, precipices, and bleak cold, 
winds. Every part, even the crevices of the rocks, are, 
covered with trees and shrubs of some kind or other. 
The ch snut trees are lofty, and furnish a quantity of ex- 
cellent food for swine. In these mountains are several large 
caverns and hollow rocks, shaped like houses, in which 
droves of hogs shelter themselves in gieat snow storms, 
which occur frequently in winter. The crops of fruit, par- 
ticularly of apples and peaches, never fail. The climate 
in these mountains is less subject to sudden changes, than 
in the plains below. Vegetation is late, but when once 
fairly begun, is seldom destroyed by subsequent frosts. 
Neither are there any marks of trees being struck with 
lightning, or blown up by storms. It is supposed that the 
mountains break the clouds, and that the lightning falls 
below ; for there the effects of it are frequently visible. On 
the Hogback mountain there is a levA farm of thirty ur 
forty acres of the richest highland in South Carolina. This 
is covered with large lofty chesnut trees, with an under- 
grovvtli of most luxuriant wild pea vines, very useful for, 
faitenino; horses. These animals, while there, are free 
irom flies. The ascent to this mountain is very steep for 
about two miles ; but ,with the exception of thirty or forty 



47 

yards, exp'^rt horsemen may ride all the way to its sum 
mit. The prospect from ir. towards the nurth and vvest 
exhibits a continued succession of mountains, one rid^e 
bevond another, as far as the eye can see.* 

On Kino's mbuntain, in York district, the real lime- 
stone rock has been discovered. This has also been found 
in Sp3rtanbur2;h district. Before these discoveries, the in- 
habitants had frequently to haul lime for domestic use up- 
wards of a hundred miles. 

Beautiful springs of water, issue in plentiful streams 
from all these mountains. They also for the most part 
produce a profusion of grass, and are clothed to their sum- 
mits with tall timber. The intermediate valleys are small, 
but of great fertility. Hence the pastoral life is more com- 
mon than the agricultural. The soil of the Table mountain 
is excellent ; that of the others stony and less fertile. But 
chestnut, locust, pine, oak, and hickory trees grow on themo 
The champaign country, w'.ich becomes more level as it 
approaches the sea, affords an interminable view, finely con- 
trasted with the wild irreaiularities of thsoe imniense heights 
which diversify the western extremity of Carolina. 

Mineral springs of various virtues have been discovered 
m several parts of this state. The most noted are, Isty 
those of Pacolet river, (Patterson's and Pool's) one on 
each side; about eight miles east of Spartanburgh Court- 
house. The waters are abundant, and impregnated, it is 
said, with sulphur, which makes them favorable in cases of 

* From a spring on one of the small mountains, between the 
Hoffback and the Tryon, water i^j conveyed more than a thousand 
feet in a succession of wooden troughs, to the yard of a dwelling 
house built by Mr. L. It empties into a large reservoir, from which, 
when filled, it runs over, and soon mingles with the adjacent north 
Pacolet river, which is there a very small stream. Thus a great 
i..omestic convenience is enjoyed by a single mountaineer, which hap 
not yet been obtained by the opulent city of Charleston. 



48 



rheumatism, agues, &c.* 2d, The Cedar springs near 
Fair Forest creek are about four miles south-^ast -)£ the 
Court-house ; the quality of water similar to .'he forner. t 

Nesbitt's springs are in Spartanburgh district, not far from 
Broad river, clo-e to tne lime stone quarries ;J these are 
fine springs. Another spring, similar to those of Po-vlet 
is within the Hatawba lan<ls, near the road leading from 
Lands-f.trd to Hill's iron works. There is also one, on a 
branch of the Waxaw creek, which is said to possess the 
same virtues as the Catawba springs in N irth Carolina ; 
and is therefore supposed to be impregnated with iron and 
sulphur. 

A spring, presumed to be impregnated with iron and sul- 
phur, proceeds from the eastern side of Paris mountain. 
The vvater is perfectly clear, but smells strongly, like the 
washings of a gun barrel ; the bottom of the spring con- 
sists of a very black earth, which smells extremely sul- 
phurous. This spring is very powerful in curing ring- 
worms and other cutaneous disorders : and fur that pur- 
pose has been resorted to bj'^ the inhabitants, with much 
success, in desperate cases. In the forks of Lynch's creek, 
a beautiful spring bursts and boils up from the earth in a 
large stream ; these waters are of so salubrious a nature, 
that many persons visit them in the autumn for health. 

ANALYSIS OF THE WATEllS. 

* Patterson's Spring. * Pool's Spring. 

Temperature 61 J. Small Temperature I -8 less 62' 

quantity of Carbonate of Small quantity ot Carbonate 

Lime. of Liiue, rather greater than 

at Pattersons. 

f Cedar Springs. | JVesbit's Spri7}gs. 

Temperature 6,'a. Small All contain Carbonate of 

quantity of Carbonate of Lime, the one near the quar- 

lime, less than in the above ry (Limestone,) contams the 

springs. most. Temperature of the 

laro-est 61°. 



49 



Another spring; of some notoriety, has been found with- 
in a few years past, boilins; up from the base of the ridsje 
of hi^h land in Orangeburg district, which overloolis a 
branch of the Little Saltcatcher swamp. There are many 
of these springs which extend some hundred yards along 
the edge of the swamp ; their virtues were not known un- 
til about the year 1796 ; when they were first discovered 
by an huntsman, who was in pursuit of game. 

The Eutaw spring is situated in Charleston district, not 
far distant from Nelson's ferry. It rises through an open- 
ing in the earth, of a few inches diameter ; and immediate- 
ly forms a basin of transparent water, a few feet deep ; and 
about one hundred and fifty paces round. It thence pene- 
trates a subterraneous passage, through a ridge of porous 
lime stone, or concretion of large oyster shells ; and at a 
distance of one hundred paces or more, boils up and bub- 
bles through a variety of passages ; forming the head of 
Eutaw creek. 

The waters of this spring, have a purgative effect on 
those who are not accustomed to them ; but otherwise they 
have no particular charactero 

Bradford's springs, Sumter district. Rice creek spring, 
rich land. Blatt's springs, Lexington,and several others are 
only noted for the purity and transparency of their waters, 
having no mineral or medicinal quality attached to them. 

When we view the mountains, hills and dales, of this 
state, and reflect on the innumerable interesting objects of 
natural curiosity which they contain, the delightful nature 
of the climate, the fertility of the soil, (in many places 
reaching to the very tops of the highest hills :) whea we 
witness the luxuriance of the crops, (seldom or never fail- 
ing from ^drought)'; the vigor of peach and apple orchar Is, 
the branches literally bending to the ground with the weight 
of fruit, the whole presenting the reality of the fascinating 
(perhaps exaggerated) accounts which some writers haye 

F 



60 

given of Chili ; ■vvhen, I say we examine the beautiful 
scenery and real worth of this section of the state, its salu- 
brious and temperate air, and agricultural advantages, we 
cannot but regard the period as not remote, when this delight-' 
ful region shall become a little Switzerland, where our low 
land planters may enjoy all the advantages of their usual 
trip to the Northern states, without its dangers, inconveni- 
ences, and expense, namely, a pure air, healthy climate, and 
cool translucid streams. 

The country is rapidly approximating to this desirable 
state of things ; the State road will be soon completed, 
leading from Charleston to the mountain^, houses of accom- 
modation, and public stages, are multiplying along this 
road, to facilitate the progress of the traveller. The 
healthy region (after leaving the sea coast) can then be 
reached in one day's travel from Charleston, so that all 
dangers will be at an end in passing through the sickly re- 
gion, even in the midst of summer and autumn. 

But what will insure the accomplishment of this import- 
tant object, so essential to the political and social interests 
of these two extremes of the State, is, the perfecting of 
an uninterrupted water communication between Charleston 
and Columbia, which would enable our citizens below, 
without fatigue, to reach the hilly country, nay, ascend up 
to the very foot of the mountains, under the same favora- 
ble circumstances. In every point of view, whether com- 
mercial, political, social, or pecuniary, a continuous canal 
from Charleston to Columbia, would prove of incalculable 
advantage to the whole State. 

Intermediate, between the low country and the mount- 
ains, are many scenes, interesting, grand and beautiful. 
The first of these that occur, are the falls of Broad and 
Saluda rivers, opposite, and near the town of Columbia. 
Since the erection of a dam, or dyke across each of these 
rivers, more interest is given to their water falls. Here 



51 

is presented a long; sheet of water, precipitated several 
feet upon solid beds of rock, which afterwards is perpetu- 
ally interrupted by craggy rocks, (among which it roars 
and foams for several miles,) before it becomes again pla- 
cid. 

But nothing in the intermediate country of this de- 
scription, is to be compared to the great falls of Cataw- 
ba. These are situated above Rocky Mount. Hills con- 
fine the descending stream as it approaches them ; when 
advancing nearer, it is further narrowed, on both sides, 
by high rocks, piled up like walls. The Catawba river, 
from a width of ISO yards, is now straitened into a chan- 
nel about one third of that extent, and from this confine- 
ment is forced down into the narrowest part of the river, 
called the Gulph. Thus pent up on all sides but one, it 
rushes over large masses of stone, and is precipitated down 
the falls. Its troubled waters are dashed from rock 
to rock, and present a sheet of foam, from shore to shore ; 
nor do they abate their impetuosity till after they have 
been precipitated over 20 falls, to a depth, very little short 
of 150 feet. Below Rocky Mount the agitated waters, 
after being expanded into a channel of 318 yards wide, 
begin to subside, but are not composed. A considerable 
time elapses before they regain their former tranquility. 

The wildness of the steep and rugged rocks — the gloomy 
horrors of the cliffs — the water falls, which are heard 
pouring down in different places of the precipice, with 
sounds various, in proportion to their respective distances 
and descents ; the hoarse hollow murmuring of the river, 
running far below the summit of the rocks, and of the ad- 
jacent surface of the earth, are objects well calculated to ex" 
cite emotions of wonder and admiration in the minds of 
spectators. The scenery here is sufficiently grand and cu- 
rious to attract the visits of the most distant inhabitants of 
Carolina. 



5^ 

The TTnited States establishment, near Rocky Mount, 
commands attention also, though now abandoned and in ru- 
ins; this circumstance only lends to make it more interest- 
ing to the traveller. 

The buildings erected here were handsome, and extensive. 
The magazine (a conical brick building) has entirely tum- 
bled down. The arsenal is a substantial building, erected 
close to the canal constructed by the state, and is the only 
building of the whole that promises to be really useful. 
The barracks surround a square, fronted by the officer's 
quarters, a large brick edifice ; the whole erected on a pro- 
montory, projecting into the river. Scrambling down the 
steep and woody bank you come to the river, which here 
hurries its wild, rapid, roaring, and infracted stream, through 
rocks and shoals and several woody islands. Nature fur- 
nishes few spots more variously romantic than this ; a noble 
river rendered more interesting by the rocks which impede 
its course, the islands scattered in the stream, the surround, 
ing hills covered with woods, and towering above it, all in- 
duce a wish, that the project of a Military establishment 
here, had succeeded, and that this fairy spot had been the 
abode of refined society. 

The public works of the state, executed, and executing at 
this place, will become every j'ear more attractive as they 
progress. The canal has been carried through a lofty rocky 
promontory, and winds for a considerable distance, along 
the foot of a steep rocky precipice, supported by massy 
walls, the foot of which is washed by tlie river. The ex- 
tent of the works is now at that point where the descending 
locks begin; the fall to be overcome here is 121 feet; 
when this great work is finished, the navigation of this no- 
ble river will be opened to the very foot of the Alleghany 
Mountains, in the neighborhood of the Nolachucky and 
Wanango rivers, branches of the Holston and French broad, 



63 

waters of Tennessee ; and also New river, a Vater of the 
Kenhawa. 

Rocky Mount or Grunkilville, close by, is one of those 
commanding situations that interest the naturalis. Hhere 
pose the ashes of one whose memory should be cherished 
by Carolinians, for his devotion to their cause in the Revo- 
lution, and his subsequent efforts to serve them in his pro- 
fessional capacity — Col. Senf, the engineer, both of the 
Catawba company and of the Santee canal. He sleeps, in 
what was his garden, at Rocky Mount ; but no obituary 
stone records his name. A few trees, (which he planted in 
a spot that he had cut in the fashion of a falling garden), 
shade his grave. Col. Senf was a military engineer of con- 
siderable talent. 

The next most important falls on this river, occur a few 
miles above ; and then at Landsfoxd. The scenery here 
cannot fail to interest. Ten thousand rocks and grassy 
islets meet the traveller's eye, ten thousand murmuring 
streams meander through them. During low water the 
cattle delight to graze upon these islets, and upon the 
sedge (which they gather from the rocks), at such times 
they furnish a curious spectacle in the midst of a mighty 
river. 

On Broad river the principal falls of note met with af- 
ter leaving Columbia, are, Lockhart's shoals, descending 
above 40 feet in 2 miles (now overcome by locks). In as- 
cending this fine river,after passing the locks, no natural agi- 
tation of the waters occurs until you reach the ninety-nine 
islands; from this to the North Carolina line, and a little 
above, a series of rapids intercept the placidity of the stream. 
The innumerable islands that fill the river at this place, give 
rise to the name of the ninety-nine Islands. The scenery here 
is beauiiful, and added to the gentle roar of waters, excite 
the most agreeable feelings. Passing these falls this river 
presents an almost unruflled surface, into the very heart gf 
the n/ountains. 



To the lovpr of bis coiintry the head of this river induces 
a most interesting; train of thou,a;hts, and when he ascends 
the mountftin where the ¥■ estern branch of the Broad, (here 
called Green river intersects it), he will there behold the 
waters of the extremes of the union almost inlerchanging, 
and invitina; the hand of industry and art, to uuite them. 
What a spot fur the statesman, the man of business, the friend 
of his countrj^j to pause and contemplate. Here the head 
springs of the extremes of future mighty empires gush 
forth from the same fountain, and seem to say, "Unite us, 
and you bind the political destinies of your country, in the 
bands of indissoluble peace and prosperity." 

What wealth, industry, and political powers, are here 
separated only by a narrow line. The agricultural riches 
floating Westwardly from this spot,dwindle almost into in- 
significance, before they reach the place of destination j 
whilst the wealth which glides Eastwardly, from the same 
point, adds to itself as it passes along. Let us but turn the 
fountain of waters (lowing Westward, into those gliding 
Eastward, and whilst we give energy to the Western, we 
shall add immensely to our own powers. 

But to facts — This spot offers the most favorable means 
of forming a navigable communication between the East- 
ern and Western waters. The Green river, by some of 
its branches, runs so deep into the dividing ridge where 
the mountain is comparatively low, and approaches so 
near the branches of the French Broad, (by the Mud creeks), 
that there appears but little labor actually requisite to join 
them. The Mud river runs thiough a kind of prairie coun- 
try, and is consequently gentle and free from obstructions 
to the French Broad ; and this river possesses a good navi- 
gation to the Hoiston, except vi^here it passes through the 
Bald Mountain, near the warm springs in North Carolina : 
after leaving these falls no material interruption occurs, un- 
til you reach the Muscle shoals of Tennessee. When the 



55 

extent of navigation of the noble river, vinth its numerous 
branches, is taken into consideration, and the richness of 
the territory watered by them, we may, without extending 
our view further, form some idea of the agricultural wealth 
that awaits the acceptation of South Carolina, if she will 
but make the effort to secure it. The work would not 
prove Colossal, or beyond the means of the state : nay if 
the system of Internal Improvement is carried into effect 
by the General Government, the means are already provi- 
ded for its accomplishment. But South Carolina should 
take measures to secure to herself this advantage ; and as 
the General Governmernt have ordered surveys to be 
made, to ascertain, the most practicable rout to connect the 
Eastern and Western waters, by the Savannah or Broad 
rivers, the latter, leading through the heart of her territory 
should be properly represented ; and we would presume to 
to say, from data which have come under our knowledge, 
that the prospects, connected with the Broad, are superior 
lo those offered by the Savannah, The portage ground of 
the tvvo great waters is more favourable, where the former 
river intersects it, than where the latter does. The ex- 
pense of effecting this navigable intercourse is much less 
associated with the Broad, than with the Savannah river. 
The chief obstructions in the Broad are already removed, 
and except those near the North Carolina line, anavigatian 
now extends from the foot of the Alleghany Mountains to 
the ocean ; whereas every thing has yet to be done to 
make the Savannah navigable, from Augusta upwards to 
the mountains. These are considerations of great weightj 
connected with the Broad river rout. 

Among the interesting objects of natural history, in this 
part of the state, we must not forget King's Mountain, the 
seat of an eventful conflict, which contributed powerfully 
to raise the drooping spirits of the Nation, in those disss- 



66 

trous times when South Carolina was overrun by the en- 
emy. 

King's Mountain extends about 15 miles from N. to S. 
and its spurs spread literally in every direction. From a 
vast mountain base, this rocky tower rises almost perpen- 
dicularly ; on the left, or western side, a huge projecting 
mass hangs over. There is but one way by which this lofty 
peak can be ascended, on all the other sides it bids deliaace 
to the access of man or beast.* 

The height of this rocky spire above its base has beenes 
timated to be one thousand feet. This point lies on the 
North Carolina side, and is called Crouder's knob; from its 
elevated precipice bursts Crouder's creek of Catawba. 

King's Mountain gives rise to a great number of creeks. 
It is delightful to travel in this wild country in sum ner 
seasoi, (remarks a traveller) you get milk and witer as 
cool as ice, at every house, without money ; and if you 
stop to eat they give you honey ; the hospitality of these 
people is of the unsophisticated kind, they give without ex- 
pecting a reward. They speak as they think. They are 
calm and dispassionate, devoted friends to liberty. 

In the vicinity of King's Mountain, in the vales, among 
the hills, are snug snail farms, apparehtly as retired from 
the rest of mankind as an hermit could wish. One of these 
farms particularly interests the traveller. Its situation is 
very romantic. An old Dutch man (Mr. Howser,) pur- 
chased a piece of land in this wild place j the prmcipal part 

* Some years ago the wolves became very troublesome to the In- 
habitants, and they in consequence turned out to extirpate them. 
There was but one pass : this the hunters occupied ; a tiock of deer 
were hemmed in upon the summit of this cloud capt i*ock, and 
urged by the hunters, and their dogs, they plunged from the lofty 
precipice, and were all killed; one of them was jammed in the fork 
of a tree projecting from the rock. 



57 

of it, is a delightful vale, through which King's creek, ri- 
sing in King's Mountain, winds its way. Upon a hill 
commanding this little Temple, the good old German built 
his house : he built it of solid stone, found in these moun- 
tains, which he selected himself, and had them waggoned 
heme. If our citizens generally would adopt this plan, 
we should not see so many old deserted fields. A good 
solid durable house of stone or brick, often induces a farmer 
to pay more attention to the improvement of his fields^ 
and to make others of a permanent character. 

In commemoration of the battle fought on King's Moun- 
tain, a small memorial, designating the spot, has been erec- 
ted by a few of the citizens. It is in contemplation to erect 
a splended monument here, to thoe brave men who fought 
and bled so nobly in defence of their country. 

The first view of the mountains, travelling the road 
from Spartanburg to Greenville, is obtainel, about 5 miles 
from the court house of the former. Their distance is about 
25 miles. The effect upon the mind of the traveller, on 
this first view, is peculiarly pleasing ; particularly if such 
had never beiore seen the mountain. To the left in the di- 
rection of the road, appears Paris Mountain ; to the right, 
the long range of the Saluda ridge, and close to the Glassy 
Mountain is seen the Saluda Gap, through v^hich the state 
road passes. On the right the Hogback Mountain dies 
away in the distance. 

The majesty and sublimity of these vast terrane protube- 
rances, increase as you approach them, and upon the very 
summit of the must lofty you descry cultivated plantations, 
one, situated upon the pinnacle of the Glassy Mountain, 
particularly draws the attention. 

At Greenville, there is a beautiful waterfall, which de- 
serves notice. Where the road from the village crosses it, 
the waters are placid and gentle, but they do not proceed 
far, before they are precipitated over a great mass of rock 
f ^ ■ 



58 

in one continued sheet, and continue to tumble from one 
ledge of rocks to snother, (placed like steps) until they 
reach another level, formed into a basin below, where they 
subside a little and then are hurried over an artificial dam, 
(thrown up to supply some late iron works, formerly con- 
structed here,) and dashed amid the rocks below. One side 
of this beautiful waterfall is confined by rocks, piled on 
rocks ; the other side presents a rich foliage, terminated at 
the bottom by an excellent milling establisiiment. The 
abundance and head of waters here, reader this spot very 
valuable (as the country improves), for machinery. The 
whole fall exceeds 40 feet. 

The great falls of Saluda, (at Ware's mills) in Abbeville 
district, presents an interesting scene. For a long distance 
these waters exhibit the appearance of foam, owing to their 
numerous obstructions, and rapidity of current. This point 
at present is the head of navigation of this beautiful river. 
At some future day there is little doubt bus that it will ex- 
tend up into the mountaii'S, for the falls mentioned already 
present the onlv material obstruction in the interval. 

Many other spots might be pointed out worthy the par- 
ticular notice of the traveller, but the limits allowed in this 
work do not perriiit it. We must not however omit men- 
tioning the extraordinary rocks in Lancaster district, which 
are thus dcscrihed by an intelligent traveller. " We pro- 
ceeded on horseback along the low lands up the creek, pro- 
posing first to visit a place called the Rock house. After 
having advanced about two miles, we descried at the liead 
of a deep A^alley, in which Ave rode, a beautiful cascade of 
water tumbling from the side of the hill, on which this Rock 
house stands. This spot is highly romantic. The rocks 
rise in rude piles above the valley, to the height of about 
two hundred and fifty feet ; crowned occasionally with red 
cedar and savin. About half way up the hill, is the Rock 
house, resembling the roof of a house. And at the lower 



59 

end of it is an aperture, from which a small stream of clear 
water issues forth ; falling over the rocks below, into the 
valley. We clambered up the side of the hill to the source 
of the cascade, and found the Rock house to be C')m posed 
of two large flat rocks, leaning against each other at top ; 
forming a complete shelter from the sun and rains. The 
area of this shelter may be about ninety feet in circumfe- 
rence, remarkably dark and cool ; at the bottom, the stream 
forming; the cascade, brawls along over the rocks, and ap- 
proacht;s the steep part of the hill, and is precipitated dowa 
its side. Upon the whole the cascade of Juan Fernandez, 
celebrated by circumnavigators may be more beautiful ; as 
that of Niagara is more grand and sublime ; but still this 
rock and cascade would rank high in ornamental gardening 
with all those, who either for pleasure or pride, covet the 
possession of these rare natural beauties. 

We next visited what is called the Great Flat Rock, ap- 
proaching it through a valley, at the head of which it is sit- 
uated. It is so called (I suppose) to distinguish it from the 
Flat Rock, on the road from Camden to Lancaster Court 
house. It consists of a huge body of solid rock5COvering, ac- 
cording to my estimation upon a second visit, at least fif- 
ty acres of land. On the side of the valley to the west, it 
is elevated above the tops of the trees, and is inaccessible ; 
to the east, the rock is not so high ; and a little up the sides 
of it are two caverns, into both of which 1 entered. But 
not being provided with candles or torches, I did not think 
it prudent to proceed far. The cavern, having the small- 
est entrance, is said afterwards to widen considerably ; to 
extend farther than the other; and to have been the hiding 
place of soms tories, during our revolutionary war ; as it 
is still of wild cats, wolves and other vermin. Our host 
informed us, that he had once penetrated it to the distance 
of about two hundred yards ; and there is a tradition in the 
neighborhood, that some Indians once entered it and emer- 



ged at the distance of three miles, near toLynche's creek. 
The colour of the rock, yN\-\Q.\\ broken, is of a whitisii grou id, 
intermixed with small black spots, of very hard c)..sist- 
ence, and suitable for mill stones. The walls of the cav- 
erns are highly polished, and appear to be of dark clouded 
marble.* From the polish of it, 1 suppose the whole cave 
to be the deserted chaanel oisome slri^'ani of water, whi h 
once issued into the valley below. In the evening we vis- 
ited another rock, which lay across Flat creek ; an«l as it 
had no naine, exercising the privilege of a traveller, 1 
named it '' The Turk " On the sum. nit of one large rock 
is placed another, propped up md poised, as if it were, by 
the hand of art ; and by an indulgeice of tiie imagination, 
you may fancy iha upper rock like a turban, on a Turk's 
head ; such an one, as you may have seen Mahomet painted 
with. Both the rocks may be about fifty feet high ; and 
cover a piece of ground of about thu'ty feet diameter. To 
the ordinary run of strangers, this rock is considered as a 
far greater curiosity, than either the Great Flat Rock, or 
even the Rock house, with its beautiful cascade. We were 
informed of several other curious rocks and caverns, situa- 
ted in the vicinity ; but a great fall of rain converted that 
into a considerable river, whicii the evening before we had 
forded as a creek \ and thus put an end to our further inqui- 
ries," 

The upper part of South Carolina, we would repeat, is 
full of interesting scenery ; her mountains preScsnt every 
variety of the mild, abrupt, sublime, beautiful, grand, and 
awful. Her rivers offer numerous cascades, placid sur- 
faces, foaming torrents, and deep waters : — the climate is 
the most delightful in the world, the montpelier of the Uni- 
ted States, (as the amiable Abbe Corre, ambassador of the 

* This is no doubt either granite, slate, or soapstone, as no marble 
is to be found m tins j-egion. 



King of Portugal, observefl, when he visited this state) the 
very seat of Bygeia herself. — A soil praductiv^e of every 
thing usefal, co-nfortable, nourishing, and luxurious, and 
capable of cultivation to the very tops of the highest moun- 
tains : the citizens of the lower part of the state, cannot 
surely be aware of the beauties and advantages of this sec- 
tion of their country, otherwise they would visit it, if not 
in preference, yet in their rout to the northern Slates. In 
addition to their own personal benefit, motives of sound 
policy should dictate it : but we have already noticed this 
subject, and trust, that not many years will elapse before a 
closer intercourse between our citizens in the up and low 
country will take place, so mutually beneficial. 

The chiracterof the Rivers of South Carolina is some- 
what peculiar, compared with those more northerly : their 
margins are bordered with considerable bodies of alluvial 
soil, which enlarge as they descend, so as, in the main 
rivers, to be in some places seven miles Vv^ide, These border 
lands are immensely fertile, and where reclaimed, (that is, 
banked in and secured from freshets,) their capacities to 
produce is astonishingly great. Instances have occurred 
here of upwards of 2000 wt. of cotton being raised to the 
acre,in the seed, (worth @'50 to ^60, )or 100 bushels of Corn. 
There can be no question but that these fands are the most 
valuable in the State, and when reclaimed will add im- 
mensely to its resources and wealth. They are located 
chiefly in that section of the State where the uplands are 
barren and unproductive in a great degree. Although 
this be the case, yet, when such an improvement takes 
place, this district of country, will become the most 
wealthy in its agricultural products. 

There is no subject associated with the Internd welfare 
of South Carolina more interesting to its citizens, than the 
reclamation of these swamp lands or alluvial low grounds. 
Thabest interests of the state, .physical moral and pecuni- 



ary, are associated with this wo- k, and no effort that ean be 
n-jade, wouhl be loo gre,3t to accomplish the obj ct. Ii lies 
perfectly within ti-.' means of the state to effect, without the 
ciiizeiis even feeling the burden of the expense. This sub- 
ject may perhaps be revived in some detail, hereafter, 
when I trui-^t, that both the practicability and advantage of 
this work will be made manifest. 

Carolina partakes so much of the nature of a West India 
clim:)te, that generally five or six, and sometimes, seven or 
eight months of the year pass without frost. It partakes 
so much of the climate of temperate cold countries, that on- 
ly three months of the year are always exempt from it. 
Frosts have been known as late as May, and as early as 
September. Except extraordinary seasons, the months of 
November, December, January and Febuary, never pass 
without it It sometimes terminates, for the season, with 
the month of Febuary, and has been known to keep off as 
late as the 13th of November. The period of vegetation 
comprehends, in favourable years, from seven to eight 
months. It commences in January or February, and ter- 
minates in October or November ; a term, too short for ri- 
penitig the most delicate fruits of southern latitudes. The 
sugar-cane, ginger, bread fruit, pine apple, banana and 
coffee trees,cannol stand the severity of a Carolina winter, 
though they grow well in summer, and some come to per- 
fection in the lower parts of the state. Goosberries, cur- 
rants, and cherries, cannot, or rather have not been made 
to grow to any purpose in the low, though they do in the 
upper country. Wild cherries are common in the woods ; 
garden cherries with ordinary care, will bear fruit very 
well in the upper country. Figs, apricots, nectarines, 
apples, peaches, pears, olives and pomegranates, also alm- 
onds, pechan or Illinois nuts, though exotics, have been 
naturalized in Carolina to good purpose, and stand all sea- 
sons. Orange trees are uninjured in ordinary winters, but 
the frosts of such as are uncommonly severe, occasionally 



destroy their stpins. Most of them grow again from the 
roots with the return of the next warm season. These 
thrive best in the low country, near the sea, and in the most 
southern part of the state. Apples and praches are raised 
in small quantities, and of a very good kind, in and near 
Charleston ; but in general they can only be cultivated to 
advantage in the middle and western parts of the state. Of 
all the variety of fruit none thrives better than pears, pom- 
egranates and water-melons. The latter grow in Carolina 
to an enormous size, and are equal if nol superior to any 
in the world. 

Fruit is furnished from the stores of nature in almost 
every month of the season, when it is most wanted. 
Blackberries, strawberries, aprico's and raspberries, are 
ripe in April and May. Plums, huckleberries, early 
pears, apples, peaches, together with figs and nectarines, 
follow. Water melons and musk melons, continue from 
June to October. Pomegranates, late peaches, pears, ap- 
ples, grapes, and winter plums, come in towards the term- 
ination of the hot weather ; Haws, sloes, and foxgrapes, 
in October ; chingaupins, chesnuts and persimmons still 
later. If to these refreshing and agreeable fruits we add 
the great variety of esculent vegetables, particularly as- 
paragus, English peas, artichokes, Irish potatoes, green 
corn ; a variety of beans, squashes, pompions, okra, tama- 
toes, salads, beets, carrots, cabbages and cucumbers, most 
of vvhich, are in season for a great part of the summer ; we 
will find abundant reason for thankfulness for the ample 
provision made for our gratification and comfort. 

Several of the finest countries of the world, have a soil 
and climate like to that which we inhabit. As an indepen- 
dent people, we have access to all countries, and a mer- 
cantile intercourse with as m.any of them as we choose. 
Tlie productions of the countries bordering on the Medi- 
terranean sea, of Persia, India, China, Japan, of the great- 
est part of A.irica, and of South America, might be sue- 



64 

cessfuUy introduced into some parts of the State. Ricej 
indigo and cotton, the three ^reat sources of wealth, all 
come from, or grow in India ; which is but one of the 
many countries resembling Carolina. Some Commodities 
equally, or even more valuable may be in reserve, to re- 
ward the investigations of the citizens of this State. 

South Carolina exhibits some splendid atmospherical 
phenomena. From the fatal consequences oi earthquakes, 
it is happily exempt. A momentary one, that did no 
damage, is recorded to have taken place on the 19th of 
May, 1754 ; another about 2 o'clock in the morning of 
April 4th 1799 ; the last, which was general throughout 
the Union, occurred in ISll, but however did little or no 
damage here. 

Though earthquakes in Carolina are harmless, thunder 
storms are not always so. When they take place, especi- 
ally if in the night, their grandeur exceeds description. 
The frequent balls of fire bursting from cloud to cloud ; the 
forked flashes, darting between the clouds and earth, and 
from the one to the other alternately, illuminate the whole 
surrounding atmosphere, and form a magnificent and stri- 
king scene. The solemn sound of distant thunder, followed 
by the vast explosion on ih-^ one hand, and the repercussive 
war on the other, appear tremendously awful. The beasts 
of the field start from the thicket, and gaze at the surround- 
ing prospect, with evident symptoms of terror and aston- 
ishment, and the winged tribes seek the shelter of the 
groves. — Sometimes indeed, these storms are of short dura- 
tion, particularly when they come attended with brisk 
gales of wind, but when that is not the case, they oiten last 
fuur or five hours. While the clouds are gathering, the 
atmosphere, though before serene, , is suddenly obsscured. 
To the inhabitants accustomed to view such appearrnces, 
and to experience their salutary effects, in cooling the air, 
and earth, the thunder storm produces more pleasurable 
than alarming sensations, but to strangers the " peal on 



65 

peal, crashed, horrible, convulsing Earth and Heaven," 
is exceedino;iy solemn and terrifying As the flasi^es of 
lightning from the clouds, commonly strike the hiijiiest 
objects, and the whole country is covered with wo^ds, 
the fury of the storm, for the most part falls upon the 
trees. Such storms, sometimes occasion considerable drim- 
age, particularly to the sl)ips in the harbor ; and sone- 
times they are attended with showers of hail, widch fall 
with such force, as to beat down the corn in the tields, 
and break glass windows. Our elder citizens inform usi, 
that thunder storms were, in the davs of their youth, 
much more frequent and more injurious than they have 
been fur the last forty or fifty years. This is remarkably 
the case in Charleston, a^id is probably in part owing to 
the multiplication of electrical rods. — Dr. Hewat, wlio 
wrote about 1775, asserts, that he has knovvn inCharleston, 
" five houses, two churches, and five ships, struck with 
lightning, during one thunder storm." Nothing compa- 
lable to this has occurred for many years past. It is ne- 
vertheless true, that during the summer there are few 
nights in which lightning is not visible in some part of the 
horizon. 

Nothing can exceed the beauty of the clouds here du- 
ring the rising and setting of the sun, from the richness 
and variety of <heir colors, and long coatinuance. The 
appearance of these glorious aerial displays is not confined 
to the Summer and Jiutumnal moxAhfi, they occur some- 
times in the middle of winter. To cheer us during the short 
reign of this dreary season, often is the eye delighted 
with that splendid boon of Heaven, the rainbow, (the har- 
binger of mercy and peace to an ofiending world.) How 
varied, how numerous are the gifts and blessings of a ben- 
eficial providence to our happy country. And though 
storms and tempests occasionally spread their terrors over 
the land ; even these result in bringing good.* 

■■■ As nnder the head of Ciiarleston district, notice will be taken of 

H 



66 

South Carolina is rich in native and exotic prodnctions: 
the varieties of its soil, climate and geological position, 
aflbrd plants of rare, valuable and medicinal qualities ; 
fruits of a luscious, refreshing and nourishing nature ^ 
vines and shrubs of exquisite beauty, fragrance, and luxu- 
riance, and forest trees of noble gfowth, and in great vari- 
ety. A bountiful Provitience has showered down upon our 
country its choicest gifts, and it will be our own fault if 
we are not contented and happy, by being temperate and 
industrious in making a right use of the means placed in our 
hands. 

Of the Botanical wealth of South Carolina, we may judge 
from an exhibit of the following Catalogue. We shall 
first notice the Trees, Plants and Shrubs, indigenous to the 
state ; and second those which have been naturalized. 

I. INDIGENOUS. 

Acer Rubrum , Red Maple. The bark contains much ga- 
lic acid, and is used with Copperas, for giving a permanent 
black coloi'. Furniture and gun stocks are made from its 
wood. 

Acer Saccharlnum, Sugar Maple. One tree yields in 
the proper season about five pounds of good sugar. 

Sugar tree, a nondescript species of Acer ; yields sugar 
of a superior quality and more in quantity than the Sugar 
Maple. 

Acer Regundo, Ash leaved Maple. The bark of the 
Common Maple imparts to cotton or Wool, a brownish pur- 
ple ; as do also the tv)ps of the wild majorum. 

Acer Rubrum, the Scarlet Flowering Maple. 

Amorpha Fructicosa, Bastard Indigo — grows to the 
height of 10 or 12 feet. It is a strong styptic, and restrains 
excessive discharges of blood. It is a well known dye. 

Acorus Calamus, Sweet Flaggon Calamus ; a useful bit- 
ter, and an excellent carnivative and stomachic. Thepow- 

the hurricanes which have occasionally occurred in this State, we 
shall omit describing them here. 



67 



der of tbe roots has cured agues, when the Peruvian bark 
has failed ; good in cholics. 

Asclepias Erectus and Decumbens, pleurisy root; a beau- 
tiful plant, flowers of a bright orange colour, and good in 
flatulent cholic. Much used by the planters in the disease 
froai which it is named — excellent to produce copious per- 
spiration without heating the body ; it is a very useful su- 
dorific, after proper evacuations ; and combined with them, 
seldom fails of effecting a cure. 

Amyris Elemifera. The gum Elemi of the shops is ob- 
tained from this plant. 

Azalea Viscosa, Variegated Flowers. 

Azalea Mudeflora, the most brilliant species of Honey- 
suciile in the state. 

Anthemis nobilis, common or wild Chamomile. Both 
the leaves and flowers possess very considerable antiseptic 
properties. 

Actea Spicuta, Herb Christopher, or baneberries. The 
juice of these berries, boiled with alum, affords a fine black 
die or ink. 

AnnonaGlabea Papavv. The fruit is large, yellow, and 
when ripe, resembles the banana ; very luscious to eat ; a 
good purgative medicine. 

Andromeda Nitida, Carolinian red buds. One among 
the most beautiful flowering and fragrant shrubs j afibrd- 
inga delicious harvest to the honey bee. 

Andromeda Arborea, Sorrel Tree. Its leaves are as 
pleasant to the taste as garden sorrel. 

Andromeda Plumata. The leaves are small, and change 
from a deep glossy green, before they fall ofi", to yeilow, 
red, purple, &c. giving the tree a beautiful appearance even 
in their decline ; at this time the flowers resemble a plume 
of delicate white feathers. The species of andromeda, call- 
ed wicke, is used to cure the toe itch and ground itch, 

j^ralia Spinosa, Prickly Asii. A watery infusion of the 
bark of the root is a certain emetic, and proves frequently 



68 



ea*hartic. Its tise is common in checking the progress of 
infermittents. 

Agririonia Oupatonium ; common Agrimony or Cork- 
hold ; affor.ls a tolerable gold color ; forms a good drink 
in fever. 

Anthoxanthum Giganteum, tall vernal or spring grass. 

Aristolochia Serpeiitana, Virginia Snake root. Polyga- 
la Senegs-Seneka Arifolium, Heart Snake Root, and Agave 
Virginica, Button Snake Root. The three first are used in 
febrile diseases, and with the aid of the lancet, blisters and 
salts, are equal to the cure of most of the common inflam- 
matory fevers : good in typus and nervous fevers. The 
last has been found a powerful auxiliary, in cases of tetanus 
and other spasmodic complaints ; and a tincture of the root 
and leaves, is an active and safe emetic. It is also found 
iTfOst useful in cases of flatulent cholic, and is a powerful 
sudorific, in cases of gangene and foul ulcers, it is superior 
tu any thing yet discovered, (used as a poultice). The Samp- 
son snake root, dipped in spirits possesses extraordinary ef- 
fects in removing dyspepsia. It may be taken in the form 
of povvder, tincture or decoction. 

Asarum Canadense, Wild Ginger or Colts foot ; the root 
is used as a remedy for the Hooping Cough. 

Alopecurus Pratensis, iVIeadovv Fox tale Grass. Alope- 
eurus Carolinianus, Carolina Fox Grass. Both very pro- 
nising f r cultivation, especially in low or boggy grounds, 
which have been drained. 

A^rostis, Bent Grass. 

A vena Carol iana, Oat Grass, when cut green makes ex- 
cellent fodder for horses; ;j:;rows in rich tide lands. 

Arundo Gigaiitea, et Ticta, Cane or Reed, used for ang- 
ling; rods, and weaving looms ; grows so large towards the 
heads of the rivers, that a joint of the cane, is said to hold 
near a pint of liquor ; the leaves are evergreen, and afford 
excellent food for cattle, found in quantities in the rich 
deep svvamps of the lover country. The leaves of the 
common reed or caue, impart lo wool a fine green colour. 



69 



Angelica Lucida, Aromatic Ano-elica ; found on "and 
near the mountains. Its root, much esteemed, resenbling 
the ginseng in taste : good substitute for the Peruvian 
Bark ; a tea of it is useful in flatulent cholics. 

Alsine Media, common Chick Weed. 

Amaryllis Atamasco, Atamasco Lilly. Blossoms in 
April. 

Allium Canadense, Canadian Garlic. 

^sculus Pavia, F'lsn Poison, horse-chesnut or buck's- 
eye ; its root is used as s>ap for vvas.'iing vvoollens ; when 
thrown into water it has t property of stupyfymg the fish 
so that they will lay on the tjp of the water, and may be 
taken with the hand 5 the indians in this manner use it for 
catching fish. 

fiEsculus Pariflora, small white flowered tEscuIus. 
Found towards Keowee river, and the adjacent moun- 
tains. 

Aster, several species of Star-wort ; produces beautiful 
flowers. 

Arum, several species of Arum or Wampee : possess 
stimulating qualities. 

Arum Maculatum, Cucko pint. Leaves used for blis- 
tering. 

Agaricus, Boletus, Hydnum, Phallu?,Clavaria, and Lyco- 
perdum, several species of Fungusses. 

Betula Alba, Birch, used for baskets and hoop-poles. 
The leaves dye a faint yellow : a resinous matter abounds 
in this tree which is highly inflammable. 

Betula Alnus, Alder. The bark gives a red color, and 
with the addition of Copperas a black : also used to die 
thread brow^n. 

Bignonia Catalpa, Catalpa or Catawba tree. Its blossoms 
have a beautiful appearance ; the tree grows large. 

Briza, Quaking Grass. Favorable for wet grounds. 
Co\Vs, sheep, and goats will eat it. Bromus CiliatuSj 
Brome Grass. 



70 

Bignonia Simpervirens, Yellow Jassnain ; extremely a- 
greeahi^, botli to the eye and the smell, blossoms in March 
and Arril. 

Barlsia Coccinea. The beautiful A nerican painted cup. 
(This plant was named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Smith 
Birton, M, D.) 

Berberis Vuly;aris, Barberry bush ; the root gives leather 
and wool a beautiful yellow. The berries make an agree- 
able jelly, also a dry sweet-meat, an infusion of the bark 
in wine is a purgative. The shrub should never be per- 
mitted to grow near corn, for it will prevent the ears filling. 

Callicarpa Americana, Shrubby Callicarpa. 

Calycanthus floriius, Carolinian All-spice. A delightful 
sweet scented shrub, scarcely distinguishable from that of 
ripe strawberries ; flowers in May, until almost harvest ; has 
been substituted for all-spice. 

Cassena Paragua, Alex Vometoria, Yapon or South Sea 
tea tree ; was substituted for tea during the Revolutionary 
war ; held in great esteem among the Indians ; is a pow- 
erful diuretic. 

Cotula Foetida, Wild Camomile ; resembling Camomile 
flowers and frequently used as a substitute for them. 

Convolvulus, Panduratus ; grows in low grounds near the 
water, the qualities of this plant are purgative, good in gra- 
vel, blossom from May to August. 

Cynosurus, Dogtail Grass. 

Cephalanthus, or Platanu occidentalis, Button Wood 
or Plane Tree; grows 60 or 70 feet high and 3 feet diame- 
ter, sometimes sawed into boards, and used by card makers 
for card boards or backs. 

Cornus Florida, Highland Dogwood, the bark has been 
used with some success, being a good substitute for the 
Peruvian Bark, in fevers and mortifications ; this flowers 
in May. The flowers, which are very beautiful, are suc- 
ceeded by red berries. 

Callitriche Verna, Vernal Star Grass. 

Chionanthus Virginica, Fringe or Snow Drop Tree. The 



71 



bark of the root of this shrub, bruised and applied to fresh 
wounds, is accounted a specific in healing them without 
suppuration. 

Cornucopiae Perennans, Walter's Grass ; of excellent 
qualities. 

Campanula Perfoliata, Bell Flower. 

Cyrila Racemiflora, clustered flowering Cyrilla. 

Chenopodium x\lbum, Lambs Quarters, used as a gar. 
den vegetable. 

Chenopodium Anthelminticum,. Jerusalem Oak, a noxious 
weed, having a long tap root. Like the Pink Root or In- 
dian Pink, the juice of its leaves is used in worm cases 
with success, either by giving the seed with molasses or 
honey, or boiled in milk ; or the expressed juice of the 
plant. 

Chenopodium Maritimum, Sea Elite, or White Glass 
Wort, grows near the salt beaches ; an excellent pot herb, 

Cicuta Maculata, Water Hemlock ; grows at the sides of 
rivers in the low country ; of poisonous nature, blossoms 
in August. 

Corypha Pumila, Dwarf Palmetto, found as high up as 
the middle country, grows on the sea islands, the leaves 
make durable hats. 

Corypha or Chamcerops Palmetto, Cabbage Palmetto. 
Grows on the sea islands and adjacent to salt water rivers; 
has a strong spungy stem 30 or 40 feet high, used for all 
salt water works, being not liable to be injured by salt wa- 
ter worms like other timber ; excellent in the construction 
of forts ; the top of this tree yields a substance resembling 
cabbage, used sometimes as such. 

Cardus, Thistle, several varieties, 

Cercis Canadensis, Red Bud Tree ; its blossoms are used 
sometimes as a sallad. An ornamental tree. 

Cassia, several species, Cassia Marylandica, American 
Senna not inferior to the senna of the shops; has long been 
employed as a purgative. 

Cactus Opuntia, common Indian Fig, or Prickly Pear ; 



72 



grows plenliftiHy on tl^e s^a islands, and in some places in 
the middle and upper country ; it furnishes a scarlet dye. 
The cochineal feeds on this fruit, and derives therefrom 
the brilliant color belonging to this insect ; they are found 
in vast numbers on its leaves in the months of April and 
May. 

Cratoegus or Mespilus, several species of Thorn ; wood 
touffh, used for handles to tools. 

Carthamus Carolinianus, Carolina Saffron ; grows in the 
lower country. 

Corylus Americana, Hazelnut tree ; grows in the upper 
ecu n try. 

Celtis Occidentalis, American yellow fruited Nettle tree* 
The juice of this tree is said to be astringent, and to give 
ease in violent dysenteries. The fruit commonly called 
sugar nut is agreeable eating. 

Clethra Alnifolia, Alder leaved Clethra ; a beautiful 
flowering shrub. 

Cornus Alterna, Alternate branched or Female Virgin- 
ian Dogwood, flowers in clusitrs, succeeded by purple 
berries. 

Cupressus Disticha, Carolina Cypress tree, is the largest 
tree growing in the state, being sometimes 30 ieet in cir- 
cumference. Its wood is very durable, and yet easy to 
work. Large canoes, requiring six or eight oarsmen are 
sometimes made from a single tree. They are sufficiently 
nunierous in some single swamps, to afford materials for 
building every house in a large town. They afford plank 
and timber for ships, houses, and various other purposes ; 
also boards for pannel work, shingles for covering houses 
—tubs, churns and other dairy utensils. 

Convallaria Polygonatum, Solomons seal, an excellent 
remedy for the scald head, and cutaneous eruptions. From 
the leaves a beauiiful durable green color may be prepared 
by the assistance of lime. 

Chironia Angularis, Lesser Centory : an ex:cellent tonic 
and bitter, in the low state of fevers, when the body is pre- 



pared for medicines of that class ; it is the basis of the 
famous Portland powder used in the gout. A decoction of 
the whole plant destroys vermin and cures the itch. 

Ceanothus Americanus, Red Root ; the bark of the root 
is a very strong astringent, and is much used in diarrhceas. 
The leaves of this plant have been found a good substitute 
for the teas of China and Japan. 

Calneldula Officinalis, Garden Marygold ; the flowers 
dried die a yellow. 

Datura Tatula, Thorn Apple ; possesses deleterious qua- 
lities ; its leaves and bark, either used simply or in oint- 
ment, are very healing for galls and sores. 

Datura Stramonium, Jimson or Stinkweed ; a powerful 
medicine in convulsive aifections, and epilepsy (using the 
expressed juice of the leaves, prepared by evaporation, 12 
to 16 grains a day), and in some of the most obstinate com- 
plaints to which human nature is liable : prepared in the 
form of an ointment, it has an anodyne effect*, when applied 
to scalds, burns, piles, old sores, or other pains on or near 
the surface of the body ; an application of the leaves fre- 
quently produces the same result. The seeds or leaves, 
given internally, bring on delirium. 

Daucus, Wild Carrot or Bird's Nest: the seeds are diu- 
retic and carminative, highly recommended in calculous 
complaints. Dirca Palustris, Marsh leather wood. 

Dionaea Muscipula, Venus's Flytrap ; found near savan- 
nahs on the seashore. Its leaf possesses such sensitive 
powers, that when insects light thereon, it closes from 
either side, like a ferrated steel spring trap ; and thus detains 
the unfortunate insect so long as its struggles excite the 
irritable powers of the leaf. 

Delphinium Caroliniannm, Carolinian blue larkspur. 
The expressed juice of tiie petals, with the addition of s- 
little alum, makes a good blue ink Blossoms in Maj'-. 

Dolichos, Wild pea ; Dianihus Carolinianus, Carolina 
S^carTetPink. 



u 

Diospiros Virginiana, Persimmon Tree ; is one of the 
strongest vegetable astringents, and much used in various 
cases, where medicines of that class are indicated ; the fruit 
when fully ripe has a sweet and agreeable taste. A full 
grown tree will often yield two bushels or more of fruit, 
which upon distillation will afford as many gallons of spirits. 
In some places they brew of them a very good beer. 

Eupatorium Pilosum, Wild Hoarhound ; it is bitter and 
stomachic, and of much virtue in curing the bites of snakes, 
Eupatorium Merrubrium, Tame Hoarhound, possessing 
nearly the same virtues. 

Eupatorium Perfoiiatum, Thorough wort : (Cross wort, 
Indian sage,) a powerful cleanser of the blood ; is also an 
emetic, and used by the Indians in intermittent fevers. It 
is termed by them Staunchblood, from its properties this 
way. There is a shrub, the size of the Chinguapin, which 
grows in all our swamps, the bark of which when scraped 
from an old plant is an admirable styptic. It has been 
known to stop the most serious hemorrhage | the common 
name of it is Jezzicho. A wine glass of the expressed 
juice of the green herb, drank every hour, is a certain cure 
for the bite of a rattle snake ; the bruised leaves should be 
applied to the part. 

Euonymus Carolinensis, Carolina Spindletree ; the seeds 
are of a beautiful pale red colour when ripe, and make 
a fine appearance after the leaves have fallen off. The ber* 
ries vomit and purge violently. They are fatal to sheep. 
Powdered and sprinkled upon the hair they destroy 
▼ermio- 

Erysimum Medicinale, Wormseed ; a. most excellenl 
¥ermifuge for children ; the seed bruised and put in milk, 
then strained and drank. 

Euphorbia, Ipecacuanha, possessing many very active 
emetic and purgative virtues, A species of this plant (E« 
Cyparissias) is so acrid that warts or corns, anointed with 
the Juice? presently disappear—a drop^of it put into the hoi- 



low of a decayed and aching toothj destroys the nerve, and 
consequently removes the pain. 

Equisetunij Ophioglossum, Osmunda, Polypodiumj, As- 
pleniumj Blechnumj Pteris, et Adianthum ; several species: 
of Ferns. 

Fagus Sylvatica atro-punicea, Beech tree ; osed in ma= 
king sundry articles of furniture ; and is split into thin scales 
for bandboxes ; also makes stocks for planes. 

Fagus Castenea,, Chesnut tree ; a very durable wood ; it 
growls to the height of 60 or 80 feet, and four or five feet in 
diameter, it is used for tubs or vats for liquor, and nev= 
er shrinks after being once seasoned ; the nuts are pleasant,, 
and are dried and used by some in place of coffee. * 

Fagus Castenea Pumila, Chinguapin tree ; yields a pleas= 
ant iruit ; posts made of this tree are very durable, 

Fothergilla Gardenea, Gardenea ; a beautiful ilowering 
shrub, named by Linnseus in honor of Dn Garden of this 
state. 

Ferula Villosa, hairy giant Fennel ; grows 6 or 8 feet high. 

Fragaria Vesca, Scarlet Strawberry ; a delicious and 

wholesome fruit of a cooling and laxative nature ; it is of 

medicinal qualities, aperient in visceral obstructions and 

jaundice ; grows in abundance in the upper country. 

Fraxinus Americana, Red Ash ; grows 20 or 30 feet 
high. 

Fraxinus Alba, American White Ash ; grows 40 or 50 
feet high, and 18 inches or more in diameter ; the timber 
is much used by wheelwrights, chairmakers, &c. for making 
shafts, rimming of wheels, &c. The inside bark and lays 
of the ash are counted good to promote urine. 

Festuca, some species of Fescue grass ; favorable for 
sheep, who are fond of it. 

Geranium Maculatum, Crowds foot ; Crane's bill 5 highly 
extolled for its styptic power in stopping bleeding, and in. 

* This tree attains to a great age. The great ehesnut of Topoorth 
[England] is computed to be 1000 years oW. 



it) 

immoderate menstrual discharges, either ia a state of pow- 
der or as a decoction in milk. 

Gentiana, several species. Samson's snakeroot blos- 
soms in October and November ; its roots are an agreeable 
bitter — employed in cases of dyspepsia. 

Gordonia Lacianthus, Loblolly Baytree ; found in bays 
and swamps. 

Gnaphaiium Margantaceum, Cat's foot or Colt's foot; good 
for colds and coughs. 

Gleditsia Polysperma, Honey locusttree ; a metheglin 
beverage is sometimes made from the pods, w^hich are of a 
very saccharine quality. 

Gleditsia Aquatica ; Water Acacia, 

Gleditsia Spinosa, Honey Locust; thepodsfrom the 
sweetness of their pulp, are used to brew beer. 

Glycinea or Carolina Kidney Bean ; an excellent vege- 
table. 

Hordeum Nodosum, Rye Grass ; grows in high river 
swamp ; mature in May — sheep and horses eat it. 

Halesia Deptera, two winged fruited Halesla : grows 12 
or 15 feet high. 

Halesia Titraptera, Snowdrop tree ; throws out a num- 
ber of flowers of ornamental appearance, and blossoms in 
May. 

Hedera Quinquefolia, American Ivy ; vvill rise often 30, 
40, or 50 feet, by receiving the support of a wall, &c. The 
roots are used by leather cutters to whet their knives upon ; 
the leaves have been applied to issues. The berries purge 
and vomit. 

Hydrangea Glaca, Hydrangea ; found on the banks of 
the Keowee river and on the Table mountain ; — a singularly 
beautiful flowering shrub ; blossoms in autumn, 

Hopea Tinctoria, Sweet leaf, or Horse sugar ; makes a 
beautiful yellow die ;* the leaves have been used with ad- 
vantage in cases of nephritis or calculus. « 

"^ Capt Pelder near Orangeburg, procured a paste from the leaves 



77 

Hamamelis, Witch Hazel ; remarkable for blooming late 
in the fall. 5^ *' 

Hibiscus, several species. Hibiscus Palustris, grows 
and blossoms luxuriantly in June, July and August, in tide 
lands. 

Hex Cassine, or Dahoon Holly ; a beautiful species of 
evergreen, bearing red berries in clusters ; grows near the 
sea shore.* 

Ilex Myrtifolia ; grows in the middle country ; much of 
this hi.'lly is to be found along the Orangeburg road from 
Charleston. 

Ilex Decidua, Deciduous Holly ; produces red berries. 

Hex Aquif ;lium, Prickly-leafed red-berry Holly ; an 
evergreen ; its wood is very white, and used by cabinet and 
mathematical instrument-makers for inlaying mahogany. 
The oil distilled from the shavings good for curing the 
piles, and relieving the toothach, and has been given in 
epilepsies; the leaves when dried destroy worms, &c. There 
is another variety called the yellow-berried holly. 

Iris, Blue andYellow Flag. Iris Virginica, possesses con- 
siderable diuretic powers ; a decoction of the root in the 
hands of several planters, has performed cures in dropsical 
cases. The root of the yellow flag mixed with the food 
of hogs bitten by a mad dog, has been known to save, when 
without it others have run mad. 

Juniperus Caroliniana, or Virginiana Red Cedar ; makes 
durable furniture, posts and coffins ; it is nearly as lasting 
as stone. This tree is a beautiful evergreen ; the berries 
are little inferior to the juniper berries in medical powers. 

Juglans Alba, Hickory nut ; when small, answers very 
well for hoop poles ; its timber used for cogs, &c. ; the in- 

of the sweet leaf, and those of the yellow Indigo; a species of Cassia 
for wiiich he obtained one guinea per pound, during the Revolution- 
ary War. 

* Some species of Ilex or Holly [observes Dr. Barton] deserve to 
b^ further investigated, particularly the Ilex Vomitoria of Alton, or 
Cussena of our Indians, a powerful diuretic. 



78 

ner bark dies an olive or yellow color ; the nuts are plea- 
sant food. 

Juglans Cinerea, Shell bark Hickory nut ; grows in the 
upper country. 

Juglans Nigra, Black Walnut ; grows to a large tree j 
its timber much used in making cabinet work ; little infe- 
rior to mahogany : the bark and fruit impart to wool or 
cotton an excellent dark olive color. 

Juncus, several species of Rush ; used to make baskets ; 
the pith used for candlewicks ; and the name of rush lights 
is given to such. 

Kalmia Latifolia, Calico Flower, wild Ivy or Laurel ; a 
beautiful flowering evergreen ; grows luxuriantly through 
the state, producing large clusters of variegated flowers., 
which at a small distance have the appearance of calico ; 
these flowers produce much honey to the bees, but is of a 
poisonous quality; the leaves are noxious to sheep and other 
animals, except the deer. The American Indians some- 
times use a decoction of it to destroy themselves ; and a 
decoction of it externally applied has often cured the itch. 
This plant has been found by Dr. Barton to be a useful 
medicine in a variety of cases, viz. diarrhoea, scaldhead, 
and obstinate sores ; used as an ointment. 

Kalmia Hersuta, Small Ivy ; found near the high hills 
of Santee. 

Laurus Borbonea, Red Bay-tree ; its grain is so fine, and 
bears so good a polish, that it is sometimes used for cabinet 
work ; it also dies a beautiful black color ; its leaves are 
used as a spice by some. 

Laurus Benzoin, Spice Wood ; the bark, berries, &c. 
have a strong aromatic smell like that of benzoin ; and was 
supposed by some to be the tree from whence it is pro- 
duced.* Decoctions made from it are given to horses suc- 
cessfully in certain cases. Blossoms in March and April 

* The Styrax Benzoe is the plant from which the Benzoin of the 
shops is extracted. 



Laurus Geniculata, Carolinian Spicewood-tree; resembles 
the benzoin except in having berries not of so red a color. 
Laurus Sassafras, Sassafras-tree ; rises sometimes to the 
height of 20 or 30 feet ; the roots and wood have been long 
used as a sudorific and purifier of the blood, io scorbutic 
and cutaneous disorders and rheumatisms ; the bark of the 
root is much the strongestj yielding a considerable quantity 
of hot, aromatic oil: and when powdered and joined with 
other febrifuges has been given with success in intermittents 
&c. ; also used as a tea in female complaints, but sometimes 
occasions the headach. Its timber is of long duration ; 
blossoms in April. 

Liquidambar Styraciflua, Sweet Gum ; of valuable medi- 
cinal virtues. 

Linum Virginianum, Wild Flax ; grows towards the 
mountains j an excellent purgative ; has been given in cases 
of obstinate rheumatism ; acts as a diuretic. 

Lilium, Superbum, Martagon et Calesboei; several spe- 
cies of Lily. 

Liriodendrum Tulipefera, Tulip -tree; this often grows 70 
or 100 feet high, and from 12 to 20 feet in circumference. 
The flowers are large and beautiful ; the wood is used in 
building and in furniture ; the bark is frequently used in in- 
termittents and dysentery ; many are of opinion that it is 
little inferior to Peruvian bark ; the bark of the root is used 
as an ingredient in bitters, &c. 

Lonicera Lutea Caroliniensis, Yellow Carolinian Wood- 
bine, or Honeysuckle ; a beautiful vine of climbing spe- 
cies, bearing bright yellow blossoms, extremely elegant 
and fragrant, resembling the English honeysuckle ; found 
growing on the rocks of Paris mountain in Greenville dis- 
trict. 

Lonicera Sempervirens, Evergreen scarlet Honey suckle; 
a great climber on high land, of ornamental appearance ; 
blossoms in April, 
^Coniceraj Red American Woodbine or Honeysuckle ; .« 



80 

beautiful climbing plant ; blossoms in January and Februa- 
ry, also in May and June in the low country. 

Lavandula, Wild Lavender ; grows on the Table moun- 
tain ; blossoms in August. 

Lupinas Perennis et Pilosus, Lupines; blossoms in May. 

Lobelia, Blue Cardinal Flowers ; several species ; of the 
roots of one of the species growing on the mountains the 
Indians make apart of their diet drink; it possesses diuretic 
qualities, blossoms in June, July and August. 

Lobelia Inflata, Indian tobacco ; good in asthma ; by 
making a tincture of the leaves of the fresh plant, 

Lycopus Virginicus, Bugle weed, or Water Hoarhound ; 
found near water courses ; excellent in cases of Hymopti- 
sis. The virtues of this plant have been highly celebrated 
of late. 

Lycopus EuropjEus, Water Hoarhound or Gipsywortj 
the juice gives a fixed black die. 

Morus Nigra, Black Mulberry ; its fruit is pleasant and 
wholesome, quenches thirst, abates heat, and proves laxa- 
tive ; good in sore throat and ulcers of the mouth. Its 
wood makes furniture, &:c. The silk worms are raised from 
this tree. The bark of the root an excellent vcrmifugCj 
particularly for the tape worm. 

Myrica Cerifera, Candleberry Myrtle; the berries afford a 
wax for candles. A decoction of the bark is good for drop- 
sies and jaundice, and is a mild emetic. It is used to tan 
calf skins ; gathered in the autumn it dies wool yellow ; 
grows near the salt water. 

Mimosa Intsia, Sensitive Briar; grows generally through 
the country. 

Musci, several species of Mosses. 

Magnolia Grandifiora, Evergreen Carolinian Laurel-tree. 
or Magnolia, This is one of the most beautiful and noble 
evergreen trees yet known, putting forth large, white, and 
fragant blossoms in May ; shooting up its stems 50, 60, and 
SO feet, having a regular head: it grows adjacent to the salt? 



ri. 



81 

Magnolia Giauca, small sweet Bay-ti'ee ; pots forth fra- 
grant white blossoms in May; the bark is an agreeable aro- 
matic tonic medicine, found in low moist ground ; the seeds 
and bark in the form of a tincture have been used in the 
cure of rheumatisms with success. 

Ma2;nolia Tripetala, the Umbrella-tree ; called so from 
its large leaf. 

MMa'nolia Acuminata, Cucumber-tree 5 grows sometimes 
to the height of 30 or 40 feet, named from the seed vesselsj 
somevvhat resembling a small cucumber ; a spiritous tinc- 
ture from these has been used advantageously in rheuma- 
tic complaints. 

Magnolia Fraseri, Fraser's auriculated Bay-tree, found 
near Keowee river. 

Mitchella Repens, Partridge berry ; a decoction of this 
plant is esteemed a good emetic, and has obtained a very- 
general use. 

Menispermum Carolinum, Carolinian Moon-seed. 

Melica, Melic Grass. The country people make brooms 
of this gra-^s. , 

Mentha Pulegium, Penny-royal ; grows plentifully in the 
upper country, excellent in hysterics, and menstrual com- 
plaints ; and the syrup in hooping cough. 

Mentha Sylvestris, Horse Mint 5 excellent in cases of 
ague and, fever,* 

Nymphsea, several species of Water Lily* The ripe 
seed or nuts of one species of this plant, N. Nebumbo, are 
greatly esteemed by the Indians. 

Nyssa Aquatica, Virginian or Carolinian Water Tupelo 
tree, rising with a strong upright stem, to the height of SO 
or 100 feet. The berries are near the size and shape of 
small olives and may be preserved in like manner; the tim- 
.ber is used in making trays, bowls, and other house uten- 

• .-* MdiitVater is well known as a carrnintaive: and antispasmodic; 
aiw good in hysterical affections. : ' '.' 



sils, being a clean white wood. The narrow leafed Tupelo 
is sometimes called Black Gum, and is so tough a wood 
that it is used for the naves of cart and wagon wheels. 

Origanum, Wild Marjoram; grows on the rocks at Pick- 
enriliet ; he tops impart to wool or cotton a brownish pur- 
ple. * 

Olea Americana, Wild Olive; grows on the sea islands; 
is a beautiful evergreen tree ; blossoms in May; the fruit is 
nearly oval, of the size of a sparrow's egg, of a beautiful 
bluish purple, and covered with a nebula or gloom. 

Orobanche Virginiana, Broomvape or Cancer root ; very- 
astringent: good in cancerous sores, galling of the skin, and 
in cases of St Anthony's fire. 

Oxalis Acetosella, Wood Sorrel ; makes with milk a 
grateful whey, cooling in fevers, and from it may be pre- 
pared an essential salt, like that of lemons, for any purpose 
requiring a n egetable acid ; the leaves successfully applied 
to scrofulous ulcers, and useful in scurvy and scorbutic 
eruptions. 

Prunus Cerasus Virginiang, common Wild Cherry : fur- 
niture is made of its wood ; a decoction of the bark is use- 
ful in dyspepsia, consumptions, intermittent fevers, and to 
wash ulcers. Its gum is nearly equal to gum Arabic; it is 
very nourishing, and excellent to stanch a wound ; its 
fruit, by infusion in brandy, is a rich cordial. 

Prunus Bisitanica,Wild orange or Portugal Laurel, a beau- 
tiful evergreen growing to the height of 30 feet, and in 
March putting lorth a profusion of blossoms, of strong mel- 
lifluous flavor ; used by some to form hedges. 

Prunus Angustifolia, Chickasaw Plum ; fruit, egg-shap- 
ed, with a very thin skin and soft sweet pulp; the color of 
this fruit is yellow and crimson. 

* The essential oil of this plant is much used as a caustic by Far- 
liers : a little cotton moistened with it and pvit into the hollow of an 
aching tooth, frequently relieves the pain. '- . 



Pmnus, large Black Sloe, grows iu the middle and upper 
country.* 

Prunus, small Black Sloe ; s;rovv,s in the lower country; 
puts forth a number of beautiful vvhite clustered blossoms 
in March; at a small distance they look like so many large 
white roses. 

Prunus Spinosa, or Hiemalis Winter Plum; bears a rich 
fruit, is much used in makino; sugar preserves. The bark 
of the roots and branches is considerably styptic 

Prunus Chicasa, Spring Plum ; juice cooling and whole- 
some ; the bark dies a yellow. 

Platanus Occidentalis, Sycamore or Plane tree ; grows 
often from 60 to 100 feet high, and from 10 to 30 feet ifi 
circumference ; this tree is sometimes sawed into boards 
and has been also used, by the card makers lor card boards 
or backs. 

Pinus Tasda, Pitch or Frankincense Pine, produces tur- 
pentine and tar. 

Pinus Palristus, Yellow Pine; much used in building and 
for all other domestic purposes. 

Pinus Strobus, White Pine; grows in the neighborhood 
of the mountains. 

Pinus Sylvestris, Pinus Abies, Balsamea, Balm of Gil- 
ead, grows near the Oconee mountain, yields a Balsam 
much famed as a dressing to wounds, and for relieving in- 
ternal disease. 

N. B. The Pitch and Yellow Pines attain a height of up- 
wards of 100 feet; with a beautiful straight stem two thirds 
of the way, suited for masts of vessels, &c. 

Populus Deltoide, Wiiite Poplar, or Cotton-tree ; grows 
upon rich low lands, very tall, with a large erect trunk, re- 

* The ' ender leaves dried are sometimes used as a substitute for 
tea. An infusion of a handful of the flowers is a safe and sure pur- 
gative. The bark powdered in doses of two drams, will cure some 
agues/ Letters written upon linen or woollen with the juice of the 
fruit will not wash out. 



sembling the aspen tree, the timber is white, firm, and 
elastic, used principally for fence rails. 

Populus Nis^ra, Black Poplar. 

Populus Tremula, Aspen tree, found near the moiintains- 
the bark an excellent tonic and stomachic. 

Populus Eterophylla, Virginia Poplar. 

Pyrus Malus Coonaria, Crab-apple-tree ; blossoms in 
April, the flowers of a beautiful ruse colour, and extremely 
fragrant; it bears an acid fruit frequently used for conserves, 
and makes the finest cider. The leaves afibrd a yellow 
die. The acid juice of the fruit is used in recent sprains, 
and as an astringent or repellent. 
PhiladelphusInodoruSjMockOrange; an ornamental shrub' 

Phytolacca Decandria, Poke-root weed ; the tender plant 
is an excellent substitute for spinage. The leaves made in- 
to ointment with lard, good in ulcers, and an admirable re" 
medy for the piles ; a tincture of the berries is employed 
in chronic rheumatisms, ulcerous and gouty affections, 
nocturnal pains, and cancers; a decoction of the root is used 
hy fari'iers in cleansing fistulous ulcers : it also possesses 
eathartic powers. This plant, says Dr. Barton, is entitled 
to the attention of physicians. 

Podophyllum Peltatum, Mandrake, May-apple or wild 
Liemon ; the root of this plant affords a certain and salutary 
cathartic. Dr. Barton preferred it to Jalap because it is not 
so irritating, and may be procured fresh and genuine in al- 
most every part of the United States — the fruit is pleasant 
eating ; the wild pigeons are said to feed upon it, 

Poa, several species of meadow grass ; cattle fond of it. 

Passiflora, some species of passion flower. 

Poly gala Vulgaris, Neckwort ; i's roots are extremely 
bitter, a decoction used in colds, pleurisies, &c. promoting 
perspiration as well as expectoration. 

Polygala Senega, Senega rattlesnake root, possesses great 
medicinal virtues. This is one of the most invaluable arti- 
cles of the materia medica, says Dr. Barton. It is peculiarly 
aseful in the diseases of cynanche trachialis, croup or hives : 



85 



In certain states of peripneumony, or pleurisy, and in drop- 
sical affections, it is admirable to promote perspiration and 
the menstrual discharges. 

Poientilla Reptans, Cinque-foil; a decoction of this plant 
sweetened with loaf sugar, good in dysentery and bowel 
complaints. 

Pyrola U-mbellata Pippsissava, Winter Green ; useful 
in nepiiritic cases.* 

Planlago Virginica et Caroliniana, Plantain ; blossoms in 
April; the green leaves applied to cuts and fresh wounds^ 
for the bite of s akf^s, &c. ; the expressed juice of the whole 
plant is given until relief is had. 

Ptelea Trifoliata, Flowering Ptela ; an ornamental shrub. 

Portulacca Oleracea, Green Purslain. 

Panax Quinquefolium, Five-leaved Gentian ; useful in 
cases of debility and gravel complaints. 

Panax Trifoiium, Three-leaved Gentian; grows in the up- 
per country in rich land, and on the mountains. This plant 
formed an article of considerable trade formerly with the 
Indians ; makes an excellent cordial. 

Quercus Virens, Carolina Live Oak ; grows on lands ad- 
jacent to the salt water, is an evergreen, and the most dura- 
ble of oaks ; it is almost as heavy as lignum vitse ; its trunk 
is short, sometimes sis and seven feet diameter, and its 
large crooked branches spread frequently over near half an 
acre of ground; it yields the best of timber for ship building. 

Quercus Alba, White Oak ; used for making baskets? 
hoops, whip handles, &c. 

Quercus Rubra, Red Oakj a decoction of the bark useful in 
diarrhoeas and gangrene, internally and externally applied ; 
the bark itself is used in tanning leather,the capsules and bark 
afford a good fixture for brown or black dies. Tiie medici- 
nal qualities of the red and black oak bark, are invaluable., 

*/Great medicinal virtues are ascribed to this plant in some parts 
of the United States; excellent in gravel, old cases of gonorrhoea, 
and menstrual discharges ; also catarrhs and consumptions. 



in iiitermittents, dysentery, indigestion^ and other diseases of 
weakness or loss of tone in the system ; as a bath in these 
cases its virtues are most remarkable, even in violent ca^es 
of smallpox. Its use ought to be more generally known. 

Quercus Tinctoria, Great Black Mountain Oak ; its bark 
is used for dying black. 

Quercus Pheilos, Carolina willow-leaved Oak. 
Quercus Humilis, Highland dwarf willow-leaved Oak. 
Quercus Humilia, Shrub Oak, useful for fire-wood and 
hoop poles. 

QuercusPrinus, Chestnut-leaved White Oak, used for 
various purposes of husbandry. 
Quercus Aquatica, Water Oak. 
Quercus Lirati, W^ater White Oak. 
Quercus Sinuata, Spanish Oak ; a large and beautiful 
tree. 

Quercus Viilosa, Hairy-leaved Oak. 
Quercus Obtusilova, Upland White Oak. 
Quercus Prinus Monticola, Mountain ChestnutOak. 
Quercus Prinus Pumila, Chinquapin Oak. 
Quercus Cinerea, Upland Willow Oak. 
Quercus Laurifolia, Laurel-leaved Oak. 
Quercus Triloba, Downy Black Oak. 
Quercus Falcata, Downy Red Oak. 
Quercus Eatesbsei, Sandy Red Oak. 
Quercus Coccinea, Scarlet Oak. 

Rubia Perigrina, Wild Madder ; dies a fine red color; 
and possesses medicinal virtues, given in the rickets and 
dropsy. 

Rhamnus Carolinianus, Carolinian Buck-thorn ; a purga» 
live syrup is prepared from the berries ; blossoms in May. 
Rhamnus Frangul;*, Blackberry-bearing Alder ; the bark 
dies yellow. From a quarter to half an ounce of the inner 
bark boiled in small beer, is a sharp purge. In dropsies 
or constipations of the bowels of cattle, it is a very certain 
purgative. 

Runiex, several species of Dock; one of these called pa- 



6i 

tience is a grateful vegetable when young, not inferior to 
spinage ; the narrow leafed dock is good in all cutaneous 
diseases, and ring-worms ; the seeds are good in dysente- 
ry ; the fresh roots bruised and made into an ointment or 
decoction cure the itch ; the roots give from a straw color 
to pretty fine olive and deep green, to cloths previously 
bleached. The Sorrel Dock or common Sorrel is eaten as 
a sauce and sallad. The salt of lemon is prepared from the 
expressed juice of this plant. 

Rhododendron Ferrugineum, Rosebay ; a beautiful scar- 
let flowering shrub, blossoms in May. 

Rosa, several species Rosa Carolinensis, Carolina Rose j 
flowers single, of a red color, and late coming. 

Rosa Ferox, sometimes called Rosa Multiflora ; the 
nondescript Rosa Simensis, Perpetual Rose. 

Rubris Occidentalis, Black-fruited Raspberry ; grows 
near the mountains. ^ 

Rubris, Dewberry or Blackberry, both creeping and up- 
right ; the roots of these vines famous as astringents, in cu- 
ring obstinate diarrhoeas and dysentery. 

Robinia Pseudo-acacia, Locust tree, or false Acacia, with 
white blossoms ; grows in the upper country ; a delicate 
and ornamental tree, putting out in spring a profusion of 
white mellifluous flowers ; its wood is of so tough and elas- 
tic a nature, that the best bows of the Indians were manu- 
factured from it. 

Robinia Rosea, Locust-tree, with rose-colored blossoms, 
a beautiful flowering shrub, sometimes flowering twice or 
more in a season. 

Rudbekhia et Helianthus ; several species of Sun-flower. 
Rhus, several species of Sumach. 

Rhus Glabrum, scarlet flowering Sumach ; an infusion 
of the berries makes a cooling and acidulous drink, and 
proves gently cathartic. The bark of the root is one of the 
best antiseptics, will cure the worst ulcers, and is good in 
dysentery. 

Rhus Toxicodendron, Poison Oak, and Poison Vines 



8B 



This poison may be communicated not only by the touch 
but also by the smoke, smell, or steam, producing pain, itch- 
ing and eruption of the skin ; a wash of the crude sal am- 
moniac or lime water, will relieve these, with a dose or two 
of salts ; an extract of the leaves of this plant, has been used 
in paralytic afiection^, tetter worm, and scald head. 

Sophora Tincti>ria, Wild Indigo; an infusion or tea said 
to be cooling in fevers, arrests the progress of mortification, 
and used as an ointment (pi'epartd by simmering the bark 
of the root in cream or lard,) good in ulcers of the breast. 

Salvia Lyrata et Mexicana, Cancer weed. 

Scirpus, several species of Rush. 

Solanum, some species of Night Shade ; a valuable medi- 
cinal plant, in rheumatisms, fevers, and suppression of the 
cochia. The haves externally applied abate inflammations 
and assuage pain. From one to three grains of the leaves 
infused in bv>iling water and taken at bed time occasions a 
copious perspiration, &c, 

Sideroxylon, Iron Wood. 

Sanicula Manlandica, Maryland Sanicle ; blossoms in 
June. 

Slum Rigidius, Virginian Water Parsnip ; possessing 
active properties, which ought to be more examined into. 

Sium JNodiflorum, creeping Water Parsnip ; grows in 
watery places, and is of a poisonous nature ; an obstinate 
cutaneous disease has been cured by taking three large 
spoonsful of the juice twice a day ; three or four ounces 
every morning is the common dose. 

Sambucus Niger, Black Elder ; decoctions of its leaves 
are used successfully for eruptions of the skin, dropsies and 
bruises ; their flowers are good in erysipelas, and Other cu- 
taneous diseases ; blossoms in May. 

Spigelia Marilandica, Pink Root, or Indian Pink ; cele- 
brated in worm cases ; blossoms in May and June ; grows 
general through the state. Dr. Barton is of opinion, that 
this plant is not only a powerful and safe vermifuge, but 
also an excellent remedy in some febrile diseases of children. 



89 

particularly in that species of remittent, which often paves 
the wav to dropsies of (he brain. 

Statice Limoniun, Lavender Threft ; grows o>i the sea 
shore ; a decoction of the root is a most powerful antisep- 
tic ; acts also as an emetic^ 

Stipa, Fea'her Grass. 

Synthi risnaa, Proecox, serotina et villosa, Crab Grass, or 
more properly Crop Grass ; an excellent fodder, bears one 
or two eutting;s during the season, arid grows to the height 
of two or three feet ; appears in April and May, and ma- 
tures the latter end of summer ; very abundant in the in- 
terior country. 

Salsola GaroHriiana, Glass Wort, or Prickly Salt W-rt, or 
Kali ; grows near i he sea shores and salt waters ; blossoms 
in August and September. 

Seratula Tinctoria, Saw Wort, and Contaurea Jacea,com- 
mon Knap Weed ; gives to wool a good yellow. 

Scabiosa Succisa, or Devil's Bet ; the leaves impart a 
yellow color. 

Stillandsia Sylvatica, Queen's Delight ; the root of this 
plant acts as an emetic ; it is a most powerful cleanser of 
the blood ; used with complete success in diseases where 
this fluid has been corrupted ; grows very common through- 
out the state ; its root is like a radish ; the properties of 
thi- root are invaluable. 

Styrax Officinale, Syrian Storax tree ; a beautiful and 
fragrant flowering shrub ; blossoms in May. 

Styrax L»ve, another species of Storax. 

Silene Caroliniana, Carolinian Catchflv ; found plentiful, 
ly in St James parish, Santee ; blossoms in May : a de- 
coction of the root is used with effect in worm cases ; it is 
said also to be of a poisonous nature. 

Sanguinaria Canadensis, Puccoon or Blood Root; is a 
deobstruent, and excellent in jaundice, old coughs and bil- 
ious habits; the root powdered and mixed with a small 
quantity of calomel, and used as snuff, has cured the polypus 



90 

in the nose ; the root flies a b'-Igbt red with ivbi^h the In- 
dians u-eH to naint themselves. They now ifse i^ f ,r fl\'ingr 
The root in powder is strons:;ly emetic ; eqnnl to sn-ikcroot 
in casps of ulcerous sore ♦hroats. croup, and hives ; also scood 
in colds, plenrisifs, and >ther inflimmatory complaints. 

Sf^rracfnia Purpurea, or purple Sidesaddle flower: a very 
sinsrnlar plant, called by Bartram, insect catchers. Grows 
in bo3*(rv g:r"ur)ds. 

Scandis !• f'^sta. Shepherd's Needle ; a noxir>us weed. 

Stewartia M?lacodendron, Flowering Stewartia; an or-= 
namental flnwering shrub. 

Stilliiigia, Cock-up-bat, or Yaw Weed ; cures that hide- 
ous disea'^e. the Yaws ; said to be a specific in sTonorrhoea. 

Squirrel Ear, or Edo;e Leaf; grows on pine barren land; 
is a snecies of sage verv efficacious as an a: tidoteto the poi- 
son of snakebites ; it is known hv a remarkahle ch;^racteris- 
tic which forms its name ; the leaf presents its ed^e and not 
its surface to the sun, and in color and shape resembles the 
ear of a squirrel ; stalk rises three feet, leaves alternate and 
trar^sverse : a wineglass of the juice of this plant has cured 
th° bite of the rattlesnaVe in desperate cases. 

Stew-artia Montano, Mountain Stewartia ; anew species' 
gri^wing near Keovvee. 

Solidago, several species of Golden rod. 

Salix, some species of Willow ; the bark excellent in ca- 
ses of fever and ague. 

Smilax China, China root ; useful in diet drinks. 

Smilax Sarsaparilla, Sarsaparilla ; a decoction excellent to 
promote persfdration, attenuate viscid humo" rs, relieve noc- 
turnal pains, and dispose ulcers to heal ; good also in rheu- 
matism, scrofula, and cutaneous disorders. 

Smilax, Bona, Nox, Pr'ckly-leaved Smilax. 

Tilia Americana, Linden Tree ; the inner hark, macera- 
ted in water, may be made into r< pes and fishmg tiCts, and 
is a goo'i application to burns ; the wood utsed for leather^ 
cutter's boards, and fr carved work. 

Tillandsia Usueoidts, Long Moss; a paraSiUc plant, at. 



91 

taching itself to trees ; only found in low, damp situations; 
used as a suiDst itute fur'hair in stuffinj^ muret.■^<:,•s. 

Thiaspi, Bursa Pastons, ShepUerd^s Purse ; a noxious 
weed. 

Tiifoiium, several species of Trefoil. 
Uriica Dioica,common Nettie ; twe root gives a faint yel 
low to cotton. The stalks may be drt ssi<i like flax or hemp 
for making cloth or paper ; a leaf put upon tne tongue, and 
then pressed ^gdas; tiie roof of the mouth, is prttty f fiica- 
cious m SLoppaig a bleediiig at the nose. Faralyiic limbs 
have been recovered by sti aging them with nettles. I'he 
leaves are gathered and cut to pieces to mix wiih ilie food of 
young turkeys and other poultry. 

Ulmus Ameiicana and Alata,Elm; the wood us fui for mill 
wheels, wat^ r pipes and carvers' work. The bark of one 
species of it can bti made into ropes, the inner bark of ano- 
th r (^the slippery elai btirk, Ulmus Pubesceas,) is commonly 
with advantage applied to fresu wounds ; an infusion of it, or 
thejt^!ly,is excelleni in bowel compliiai.s,or in cases -f burns 
ulcers, sores, dropsies, &c ; the inner bark being used, and 
the decoction drank freely in the ias; cases. 

Vcrbascum Thap^us, Great BiOad-ltaved Mullein ; blos- 
soms in May and June. Externally u.^e u, it is ensollient. 
Dr. Home advises a decoction of it, two ounces to a quart. 
In diarrhffias of an old standmg, iie gave a quart every day. 
It eases the paiiiS of the intestines : is used as an injec- 
tion in tenes iius with advantage, and is often applied ex- 
ternally to tiie piles. In Norway they give it to cu^vs that 
are consumpdve. The down serves fjr linder ; no animal 
will eat it. 

Verboscum Lychniiis, Hoary-white and Red-flowered 
Muiiein. 

Vincitoxicum,et Ascl pias ; some species of Dog's Bane. 
Vacciiuum, several peci- s of Wnoitiei-erry ; the first 
tender f'aves have been used as a substitute- to* tt, a. 

Viola, several species of Violet j the flowers and seeds 



- 92 

are said to be mild laxatives ; a syrup is obtained from thi^ 
plant very useful in chemical inquiries. 

Vitis, four or five species of Grapes ; these grow abun- 
dantly throu2;hout the state, and will sometines climb to 
the tops of the highest trees. Their names are, Fux Grape^, 
Summer, Winter, Muscadine, and Purple Grape. 

Virb.juium Alnifolium, Aider-leaved Virbanium. 

Vitis Arborea, Carolinian Vine or Pepper Tree. 

Viscum,Mistlefoe ; a singular parasitical evergreen shrub. 
Bird lime is made from the berries and from the bark. 
Sheep eat it very greedily, and it is said to pr^ s rve them 
from the rot. No art has yet made these plants take root 
in the earth. It has been used as a tunic medicine, and has 
cured epilepsy. 

Xanthoryza Simplicissima, Shrub Yellow Root; from 
the yellow less of its roots and stems, it is highly probable 
that it might be employed to good purpose in dying. 

Xanthoxylum Frixinifolium, Toothach Tree ; the bark 
and capsules are of a hot acrid taste, and are used for easing 
the toothache : a tincture of them is also much commended 
foj' the cure of the rheumatism. 

Yucca Gloriosa, Palmetto Royal ; it bears a very large 
and beautiful cluster of white flovyers, and blossoms in May. 
This is -f splendid flovvering plant. 

Zanthoryza Apiifolia, Parsley leaved Yellow Root ; an 
agreeable bitter, nt inferior to Columbo ; has been employ- 
ed as a WHsh in iufliuim itioo of the eyes. 

Zizania Aquatica et Palustris, Water Oats ; grows on the 
bonier of frsh water rivers, where the tides flow, they 
make a goi d fodder when cut gr- en. 

Zanlhoxylum Fraxinifolium, Piickly Ash ; a valuable 
plant in chronic rheumatism, paralytic aflfections, and dis- 
eases of the blood, ulcers, &c ; ust'd as a decoction. A tinc- 
ture of the berries or bark in spirits, good in flatulent co- 
lics. 

Zanthoxylum Clava Herculis, Hercules Club, Toothach 
Tree, or Pelletory, grows on the Sea Islands and adjacent 



to the salts ; the bark, leaves, and root of this tree are of a 
pungent nature, used successfully so neiiines for the tooth- 
ach : it als ; pr!)mutes salivation, and has been given in ca- 
ses of rheumatism. 



EXOTIC PLANTS. 

NATURALIZED AND CULTIVATKD FOR DOMESTIC USE. 



The Almond, both sweet and bitter ; Amygdalus Com- 
munis. 

Apple, Pyrus Malus. 

Apricot, Prunus Armeniaca. 

Arrow Root, Miirania Arundinacea ; a nutritious food 
in acute diseases ; for children, it is a remedy in bowel com- 
pl.'ii.ts. 

Anemone, is a plant of considerable acrimony, and so- 
licits the atientioi) of physician:. 

Altheas, 

Bal ii, Milissa Officinalis : an excellent tea in fevers,and 
forms an agreeable bevemge with acids. 

Benne Oil Nut, Sesanum ludicum ; the seeds of this 
phmt fu) nish an excelknt oil lor salads, and every purpose 
for whicit olive is used ; the grain parched makes a plea- 
sant lighi food, and may be prepared as a substitute for 
chocolate ; and an infusion of the ieav< s in water produces 
a gelatinous drink highly recommended in bnwel com- 
plaints ; one or two wine glasses full of the oil acis well on 
the bowels. 

Buckwheat, Polygonum Fagppyrum. 

Barley, Hordeum. 

Calabash, Cucurbita Lagenaria. 

Caraway, Carum Carui ; a choice aromatic, the seeds as- 
sist digestion, good in flatulent colics. 



94 

Carrot, Carota ; an excellont root ; the root beaten to a 
pulj) go id ill ailayiai; paiw in ulcers and cancers ; an infu- 
sion uf thcs ^ roots useful in gravel complaints. 

Chi'rrif's, ('erasus. 

Cucumb r, Cucumis. 

Chimumile, Chamoemelum ; excellent in cases of indi- 
gestion, loss of appefiie, &c. 

CtiitiJii, Gos'-ipiuni Ilerbaceum ; Horse Riidish, Cochle- 
aria, Anioiacia ; salpbur naturally exists in this plant j the 
root sieeped io viiK gar remuves fiv ckles. 

Comt'n y, (Joneulisa ; good in d}^sentery, bowel com- 
plaints, and fluor albus, &c. 

Cape Jasmine, r fragrant Gardenia, Gardenia Florida. 

Elecampane, Inula Helenium ; the root good in asthmas 
and coughs. 

Flax, Linum Usitalissimum ; possesses great medicinal 
virtues. 

Ft nnel, Fenicutum Diilce ; the seeds excellent in flatu- 
lent colics, aud Cfughs. 

*Fig, s veral kin^ s,Ficus ; yields a most delightful fruit 
posSi'Ssing many medicinal |)roperties. The milky juice 
of file unripe (igs is viry aerial, proves both emetic and pur- 
gative ; used also to remove warts, ring ami tetter worms. 

Flowering Aloe, Agave Americana; a beauiiful flower- 
ing plant, extremely ornamental to gordet.s, putting forth its 
hi ssoms at the summit of a vigorous stem IS or 20 teet 
high. This plant requires many years growth previous to 
its blossoming. 

Gourd, Cue irhita, Guinea Corn ; several kinds. 

Grape, Vitis, Vinefera. 

Garlick, Allium Sativum ; highly stimulating ; made in- 
to a poultice with bread and sharp vinegar, is good to raise 
the pulse and relieve the head. 

*The plants marked thus [*] are sometimes killed to the roots by 
severe winters ; they put foith however again with the return of 
sprinff. 



Ground Nnts, verv much used as food, and as a substi- 
tute for Cocoa ; a good oil may be expressed from it. 

Goospberries ; Ribes. 

Hnlcus. 

Hemp, Cannabis Sativa, endowed with narcotic powers. 

Hvdrano;ea H'^rfensis, Hyacinths, Hvacinthus. 

Fop, Hu milium LnpuUis ; ^rows plentifully and requires 
little care. The increasins; fondness for beer may render 
a crop of this nearly as profitable as cotton, especially if the 
price and Enronean demand for this article should be con- 
si'l'^Tsblv diminished. As a further recommendation of 
ho'-'s. it has been found, by late experiments, to be in seve- 
ral cas' s, and some constituti ms, a more unexceptionable 
anodvne than laudanum ; while at the same time infusions 
of it give tone to a debilitated stomach ; applied as a poultice 
the leaves are good in ulcers or old sores ; the plant dies a 
good brown. 

Indis^o, Indigofera Tinctoria, from which is obtained that 
valuable d\e the Indiso. 

Indian Corn, or Z^a Maize. The Indians are said to 
have been found in po^^iession of this plant when Amer ca 
was first discovered, therefore it may be doubtful whether 
it is not a native. 

India'! Potato, Suckahoe Triffles, Lycoperdon Tuber . 
found in great abundance in old fields, one or t-vo feet 
bene-^th the surface of the earth, attached to *he decaved 
ro^s of thn hickory. This subterranean production afford- 
ed th Indians wholesome bread. 

Jasmine, Ixias. 

Ipecacuanha, Psycnotria Emetica. 

Lpek, x'illium Porrum. 

*Lemon Tree, Citrus Medica ; the juice, saturated with 
common table salt, excellent in dysentery, putrid soar throat 
and rf^mittent fever; this acid is as common a remedy for 
vegeiable poisons as opium. 

*Lime, Citru- Acris, next in property to the Lemon. 

Lombardy Poplar, Populus DiiaLata. 



9^ 

Mustard) Sinapis ; excellent for weak stomachs or whe>g 
much acid prevails ; also in fev< rs and rheumatism, the seed 
beino; powdered and made i"to a poultice with sharp vinegar 
and bread, and applied to the part. 

Mrlon (both Musk and Water) Cucumis, Mimosas ; se- 
veral kinds. 

Melia Azedarach, or Pride of India ; of very quick 
growth ; the wood makes handsome furniture ; the berries 
are eaten by horses and birds, and the root is a powerful 
vermifus^e ; an ointment made from it with lard, good for 
the scald head, also tetter worms and ulcers ; the expressed 
oil from the berries is used in Japan lor making Candles, 
as it grows hard like tallow. 

Myrtle, Myrtus Communis ; these grow luxuriantly and 
form fine hedges. 

Nectarine, Amygdalus Persica. 

*01ive, Olea. 

*01eander, Nerium Oleander ; a beautiful flowering and 
ornamental garden plant. 

Onion, Allium Cepa ; possesses similar virtues with the 
garlic; good in dropsies, suppression of urine, abscess of the 
jiver, croup, and sore throat ; in which two last cases an 
ointment is made with lard. 

*Oranges, (both sweet and sour) Citrus Aurantium ; ex- 
cellent in febrile disorders, resists putrescence^ and is first 
on the list of antiscorbutics. 

Okra, Hibiscus Esculens ; the pods and seeds of this 
plant make an excellent soup, and the seeds a good substi- 
tute for coffee. 

Oat, Avena. 

Pompion, Curcubita, Melopepo. 

Poppy, Papaver Somniferum ; has been successfully 
cultivated near Charleston, and good opium, equal to any 
imported, prepared from it. Seven grains have been ob- 
tained from one plant. 

Parsley, Petrosellinum ; a small handful of the seed, 



97 

boiled in a quart of water and sweetened with honey, excel- 
len' in gravel complaints or suppression of urine. 

Pear, Pyrus Communis. 

Plum, of several kinds, Prunus. 

Peaeh-tree, Amygdalus Persica : both the flowers and 
leaves excellent cathartics, and ought to be preserved in, 
every family ; a syrup prepared from the leaves is a mild 
laxative ; good in measles and St. Anthony's fire. 

Pomegranate, Punica Grauatum ; grows in great per- 
fection on the Sea Islands, in Beaufort district ; it is also 
cultivated in other parts of the state and is an excellent sub- 
acid fruit. The shells boiled in milk are used in diarrhoeas^ 
dysenteries, and other diseases requiring astringents, 

Popniac, or fragrant Mimosa : a delicate and ornamental 
shrub. 

Palma Chrisli, or Castor Oil tree, Ricinus Communis; 
easily propagated, grows in abundance, and yields from 100 
to 150 gallons of oil to the acre ; which oil is as effectual as 
that imported, in cases of colic and dysenteries ; and in 
doses of a tea-spoonful, to expel the maconium from new 
born infants. 

Pease, several kinds, Pisum. 

Peppermint, Mentha- Peperita ; a well knov/n specific 
in removing nausea, cholera morbus, obstinate vomiting and 
griping ; stewed in spirits and applied warm as a cataplasm 
to the pit of the stomach or abdomen it acts like a charm 
in removing nausea, &c. 

Pepper, Common and Cayenne, Capsicum Annuum; good 
in chronic rheumatism, and nervous fever, steeped in spi- 
rits and applied vvarm ; also in cases of violent pain in the 
stomach ; corrects flatulency used as a food. 

Quince, Pyrus Cydonia ; the syrup of the quince, giv- 
en in cases of nausea, vomiting, and fluxes. The mucilage 
from the seeds, with sugar and nutmeg, good in dysentery. 

Rue, Ruta ; an infusion of the leaves powerfully pro- 
m,otes perspiration, quickens the circulation, removes ob- 

M 



98 

strnctions, and is particularly adapted to weak and hysteri- 
cal constitutions. 

Rye Secale. 

Round or Irish Potatoe, Solanum Tuberosum. The in- 
dians are said to have been in possession of this plant, when 
America v\ as first discovered ; it is probably a native. 

Rhubarb, Rheum Paimatum.* 

Rice. Oriza Sativa. 

Radish, Raphanus ; esteemed as an antiscorbutic, parti- 
cularly if tender, and eaten with the skin. 

Rose, Rosa ; great variety, and of great beauty; a decoc- 
tion of its leaves, a mild laxative. 

Rosemary, Rosmarinus. 

Raspberries, Idseus. Raspberries, as well as Strawber- 
ries, held in the mouth, will dissolve tartarous concretions 
formed on the teeth. 

Red Pepper or Cayenne, Capsicum Annuum ; a power- 
ful stimulant ; excellent in chronic rheumatism, (steeped in 
spirits ;) also in cases of violent pain or cramp in the sto- 
mach ; good in putrid soar throat, (used as a gargle. ) 

Squashes, Cucurbita Pepo. 

Sage, Salvia ; an infusion of the leaves, or tea, good in 
nervous debility ; sweetened, with a little lemon-juice, 
forms a grateful drink in febrile disorders. 

Sorrel, Rumex Acetosa. 

Sweet Potato, Convolvulus Batatus ; from this root 
Bowen's patent Sago is prepared, which forms a very nu- 
tritious jelly, like arrow-root. The vine supports the fa- 
mous insect called the Potato fly, found fully equal in 
medical cases to the best Spanish flies. The potato flies 
may be collected in great abundance morning and evening, 
by shaking them from the leaves in a vessel of hot water^ 
and afterwards drying them in the sun ; they appear 
about July. These insects will also feed upon the vine of 
the Irish potato ; every family should collect them. 

* The young branches of this plant, green, are an excellent substi- 
tute for gooseberries in making pies. 



99 

Sterculia Platanifolia. 

Saffron, Crocus Sativus. 

Sugar cane,Saccharum ; produces well in Beaufort district. 

Sweet Violet, Viola Odorata ; a tea-spoonful of the pow- 
dered herb is a mild laxative. 

Tobacco, Nicotiima. 

Tabacum, a medicine of the most uncommon powers, be- 
ing emetic, cathartic, sudorific, diureiic, expectorant, nar- 
cotic and antispasmodic. It is serviceable in the toothacb, 
in ulcers, or the itch, and in cutaneous eruptions ; applied 
as a poultice with vinegar to the stomach, it will often cause 
a discharge of worms, and induce vomiting, when other 
things have failed : this quality of the tobacco is well worth 
attention. 

Turnips, Brassica Rapa, 

Thymus Vulgaris, one of the most powerful aromatic 
plants, used as a tea in those complaints where medicines 
of this class are indicated. 

Tanniers and Eddoes, species of Arum, ah excellent and 
nourishing root. 

Tansey, Tanacetum, Vulgare ; a g;ood substitute for hops 
and recommended in hysteric complanits and obstructed 
menses ; its seeds are an excellent vermifuge. 

Tallow Tree, Croton Sebiferum ; from the berries of 
this tree a tallow is m^de, which is used in China for can- 
dles I it is said to be useful also in making soap. 

Wheat, Triticum ; grows finely in the upper part of the 
state. 

Weeping Willow, Salix Babylonica ; the bark and 
branches of this tree may be woven into baskets : a decoc- 
tion of the bark a good substitute for the Peruvian bark. 

White Walnut, Juglans Alba, affords one of the finest ca- 
thartic medicines in the whole American materia medica. 
The inner bark boiled for several hours,, then strained and 
rebpiled to the consistence of honey, forms the bestprepa- 
raxion of this invaluable medicine : it is used in the form 
©f pills 3 excellent in removing costive habits, and in dou- 



100 



ble doses, (say 4 pills, ) sovereign in dysentery, bilious fe- 
ver, and all other diseases requiring operants, more espe- 
cially if combined with calomel. The bark of the root ex- 
cellent to raise a blister, and may be substituted for Span- 
ish flies. 



THE ANLMALS THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED NATIVES OF 
THIS STATE, ARE, 



The Mammoth. 


extinct. 


Red Squirrel. 


Buffalo. 


ext. 


Flying Squirrel, 


Bear. 




Ground Squirrel. 


Panther.^ 




Rabbit 


Catamount. 


ext. 


Pole Cat. 


Wild Cat 




Mole. 


Wolf 




Mink. 


Beaver. 


ext. 


Opossum. 


Red Fox. 




Raccoon. 


Red Deer. 




Lizard. 


Otter. 




Toad. 


MoosCo 




Frog. 


Gray Squirrel. 




Muskrat. 


Black Squirrel. 




Weazle. 



THE BIRDS ARE VERY NUMEROUS, AND ARE AS FOLLOWS 
Bald Eagle. Yellow Tit Mouse. 



Fishing Hawk. 
Pigeon Hawk. 
Gray Hawk. 



Pine Creeper. 
Yellow-throated Creeper. 
Humming Bird. 



* One of these panthers, [commonly called tigers in this state,] 
killed at a plantation on Wambaw Swamp, in 1796, measured as fol- 
J;OWS : 

From the hose to the tail ... 8 feet 6 inches. 
Length of tail ....... 2 8 

Height ......... 3 



101 



Swallow-tailed Hawk. 

Turkey Buzzard. 

Carrion Crow. 

Large Owl. 

Carolina Cuckoo. 

Perroquet 

Blue Jay. 

Purple Jackdaw. 

Red -winged Starling, 
or Black Bird. 

Rice Bird. 

Large white-bellied Wood- 
pecker. 

Gold -winged Woodpecker. 

Red-bellied Woodpecker. 

Hairy Woodpecker. 

Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, 

Small spotted Woodpecker. 

Nuthatch, great and small. 

Wild Pigeon. 

Turtle Dove. 

May Bird. 

Robin. 

Thrush. 

Carolina Bulfinch. 

Canvass-backed Duck. 

Gross-beak. 

Gannet, 

Night Hawk. 

Large swamp Sparrow. 

Little Sparrow. 

Snow Bird. 

Mockir.g Bird. 

Blue Gross-beak. 

Purple Finch. 

Painted Finch,or Nonpareil. 

Blue Linnet. 



Kingfisher. 

Chattering Plover or Kildeer, 

Whistling Plover. 

Hooping Crane. 

Blue Heron. 

Little White Fleron. 

Crested Bittern. 

Cormorant. 

White Curlew. 

Brown Curlew. 

Indian Pullet. 

Sangiullah. 

Blue Linnet. 

Ground Dove. 

Oyster Catcher. 

Canada Goose. 

Small Wiiite Brant Goose. 

Great Gray Brant Goose, 

Duck and Mallard. 

Large Black Duck. 

Bull Neck Duck. 

Round Crested Duck. 

Summer Duck. 

Little Brown Duck. 

Blue-winged Teal. 

Green-winged Teal. 

White-faced Teal. 

Black Cormorant. 

Water Pelican. 

Wild Turkey. 

Pheasant, or 

Mountain Partridge, 
Wren. 
Small Partridge^ or 

Quail. 
Swallow. 
Martin. 



102 



Chatterer. Whip-poor-will, or 

Blue Bird. Goat Sucker and 

Crested Fly Catcher. Chick widow. 

Black Cap Fly Catcher. Snipe. 
Summer Red Bird. Woodcock. 

Swamp Red Bird. Marsh Hen, 

High Land Red Bird. Flamingo. 

Crested Tit Mouse. 

Of these, the geese, many species of ducks, the wild pi- 
geon, the snow bird, and some others, are birds of passage ; 
some of them coming from northern, and others from sou- 
thern latitudes. 



There are many species of Snakes natural to this state, 
the bite of some of which, is often fatal: their 
names are^ 

The Rattlesnake, Water rattle. Small rattle, Water Viper, 
Black Viper, Copper Belly Snake, Bluish Green, Hog 
Nose, Wampum, Horn, Thunder, Black, Little Brown 
Head, Ribbon, Chain, Mogason Water Snake, Coach Whip, 
Corn Green, Glass and Bull Snake. 



THE FOLLOWING ARE THE INSECTS: 

The Earth Worm, Grub Worm, Snail, House Bug, 
Flea, Wood Worm, Forty Legs, Wood House, Cicada, 
Mantis or Camel Cricket, Cockroach, Cricket, Beetle, Fire 
Fly, Glow Worm, Butterfly, Moth, Ant, Fig Eater, 
Humble Bee, Ground Bee, or Yellow Jacket, Wasp, Hor- 
net, Honey Bee, Fly, Musqueto, Sandfly, Spider, Tick, 
and Potato Louse. 



10^ 



THE FRESH WATER FISH, ARE, 

Sturgeon, Pike, Trout, Bream, Mudfish, Perch, Suck- 
ingfish. Catfish, Garfish, Rockfish, Soft-shelled Turtle^ Ter- 
rapin, Crayfish, &c. 



THE SALT WATER FISH, ARE, 

Shark, Porpus, Drum, Bass, Cavalli, Snapper-Shad, 
Sheephead, Whiting, Porgy, Black Fish, Mullet, Herring, 
Skipjack, Sailor's choice, Crocus, Soles, Angel Fish, Her- 
ring, Yellow tail. Ale Wife. 

Of Shell Fish, there are several kinds of large and small 
Sea Turtle, Oysters, Crabs, Shrimps, Clams^ Muscles, Fid- 
dlers, &c. 



INDIANS; 

OR, 

ABORIGINES OF THE COUNTRY. 



South Carolina, when first settled by the English, was 
inhabited by numerous tribes of Indians, whose settlements 
extended from the ocean to the mountains. As tar as we 
are able to judge, from documents extant in the Secretary 
of State's (.fiice, and other sources which may be relied on, 
the number of these dififerent nations, or tribes, exceeded 
twenty eight. The Westoes and Savannahs were the two 
most potent tribes. 

Previous to the settlement of the country by the whites, 
a dreadful civil war broke out between these two nations, 
which thinned their numbers considerably : the Westoes, 
the more cruel of the two, were eventually forced quite out 
of the province, and the Savannahs continued good friends 
and useful neighbours to the whites. 

This circumstance proved a remarkable providence to 
the colony. Had the Indians of this country been of a fero- 
cious and jealous character, their numbers would have en- 
abled them to frustrate all attempts of Europe to colonize 
the country ; but so widely diiFereni was their characters 
from this, that like children of nature, (as they were,) they 
received the whites with kindness, gave them as much land 
as they wanted, and every assistance in supplying them with 
provisions. 

The first settlement of Carolina was founded on principles 
of benevolence towards these benighted sons of the forest. 
The charter granted by the king, to the lords proprietors, 
contained a clause, by which they were bound "to pro- 



105 

agate the Gospel among the Indians, and thereby to civil* 
ize tliern. The proprietors instructed their tenants to rulti= 
vate the good wiil of ih • aboiigines. Thougn tiiese princi- 
ples constituted the la v of the land, yet ni) serious meastsres 
were taken by the pi">prietors to carry them into elfect ; 
and th ir tenants followed only their own interests, in their 
intercourse with the Indians. The bcind of union between 
Ihem was the mutual ij terchanj^e of such articles as each 
needed. To the Indian a knife, a liatchet, or a hoe, vvas a 
valuable acquisition. To the i'thite man the skins and 
game of the forest were equally acceptable. The love of 
ease, was as natural to the one as the other; and the Indian 
would rather give to the white settler the profits of a year's 
hunting, than be without his instruments. Having obtain- 
ed these, in process of time he found the tomahawk and 
musket equally useful : these he also coveted, and could 
Kot rest till he had obtained th(^m. What was at first on- 
ly convenient, in the c Mirss' of time bec;ime ahnost neces- 
sary ; the original bond, therfore, progressively strength- 
ened and confirn)ed, as the channels of cc/mirierce opened^ 
The Indian found that he was not only treated with friend- 
ship and civility, but that the white people were equally 
fond of his skins, furs, and lands, as he was of tlieir gaudy 
trinkets and various implements. It was this connexion 
that induced the native inhabitants of the forest peaceably 
to admit strang.ers,tlioagh differing in complexion,language 
and manners, to reside among them, and to clear and culti- 
vate their lands. 

The wants of the Indians grew, from indolence, in a 
greater degree than they could bd^ gratified ; and the; des- 
troying vice of drunkenness crept in among them so rapid- 
ly, that what with sickness, smallpox, &c. their numbf rs 
were gradually reduced, so that they lost their formida- 
ble character. 

Carolina has (much to its honour) as little Indian blood 
io ahswer for, or of injustice to these simple sons of the fo- 

isr 



106 

rest as any other state in the union ; she never was the ag- 
gressor in any of the wars that took place ; hut always act- 
ed on the defensive, when the poor Indians, instigated by 
the Spaniards or French, engaged in wars of extermination 
to the English settlers. 

A right to the soil of the country was grounded upon 
the acknowledged truth of this doctrine, that the earth 
was made for man ; and was intended by the Creator of all 
things to be improved for the benefit of mankind. The 
Ian4 which could support one savage, in his mode of living, 
is capable of supporting five hundred, under proper cultiva- 
tion. These wild lands, therefore, were not the separate 
property of the few savages who hunted over them, but be- 
longed to the common stock of mankind. The first who 
possessed a vacant spot, and actually cultivated it for some 
time, ought to be considered as the proprietor of that spot, 
and they who derive their titles from him have a valid right 
to the same.' 

This doctrine is agreeable to the judicial determination 
of the Courts of South Carolina with respect to rights in 
land, deriv ed solely from ujiinterrupted possession for a 
term, formerly of five now of ten years. 

But some of the first settlers of Carolina, not satisfied to 
rest their right of soil upon the law of nature, and their 
government, made private purchases from the Indians ; 
and thf^ government itself entered into treaties with the 
aborigities. 

The first public deed of conveyance, found on record^ 
in relation to this subject, is dated March 10th, 1675, 
and is a specimen* of the manner in which such deeds were 
drawn. 

The 3d deed is dated Feb. 2Sth, 1683, and is a convey- 
ance by the cassique of Wimbee, and includes a strip of 
country between the Combahee and Broad river, extending 
back to the mountains, 

•''^ This Deed is inserted entire iu Appendix A' 



107 

The 3d is a conveyance of the casslque of Stono, dated 
ISfch Feb. 16S4. 

The 4th is of the same date, by the cassique of Combahee. 

The 5th is dated on the same day, by the Queen of St/ 
Helena. 

The 6th is of the same date, by the cassique of Kissah, 
And on the same day all these cassiques joined to make a 
general deed, conveying all the lands, which they before 
conveyed separately, to the lords proprietors. 

The f llowing are the names, location, and number of 
tribes of Indians in Carolina, about the year 1700, inclu- 
ding those that made war in it from a distance ; as far as 
can be ascertained, 

THE WESTOES, STONOE, COSAH, SEWEE. 

A powerful nation located between Charleston and Edis- 
to river ; they were conquered and driven out of the coun- 
try by the Savannahs. The Stonoe, Cosah and Sewee 
tribes. 

YAMASSEES, HUSPAHS, a tribe. 

These possessed a large territory, lying backward from 
port Royal Island, on the North East side of Savannah ri- 
ver, which to this day is called Indian land. St. Peter's 
parish includes this country. 

SAVANNAHS, SERANNA, CUSOBOE, EUCHEE. 
These occupied the middle country on Savannah river. 

APPALACHIANS. 
Inhabited the head waters of Savannah and Altamaha ri- 
vers ; these gave name to the Apalachian mountains and 
Appalachicola bay« 

CREEKS. 

This nation occupied the South side of Savannah and 

Broad rivers : (called in Mowzan's map Cherokee river, 

which was the dividing line between the Creeks and Cher- 

oke6s ;) they invaded the pirovincey with other Indians? 



108 
CHEROKEES. 

SPiZ/BE^.—ECHOTEE, NKQUASEE, TEHOTIEE, CHATUSEE, 
^0YO«\EE, CHVliEE, E I A I OE, ITSSEE, CUSSAIEE, SlliOO- 
I-A, KEYAUVVEE, ECU\Y, ACCONNEE, TOXaWAW, (JHK.CE- 
liOUE, SENNEKAW, lEWKAW, TUCKW ASHWANX , NAtiU- 
CHIE, QUACORAICMIE, S . ICKOEY, CHOI A, ENOE, TOTEUO, 
ESAW, SAPONA, WISACK. 

This formidable nation occupied the lands now included 
in Pendleton and (ireenville districis, exlending over Sa- 
vannah ri\ er to Broad or Cherokee river ; they joined the 
Creeks in 1715 to invade the province. 

CONGAREES. 

Occupied the country bordering on the river of the same 
name. 

SANTEES, or SERATEES. 
Located about JNelson's ferry and Scott's lake, on San- 
tee. 

WATEREE, CHICKAREE. 
The Wateree Indians were settled below Camden, their 
town was on Pine-tree Criek. 

SALUTAH. 
The Salutah Indians were located on and near Saluda ri- 
ver ; (now Newborry district ; their chief settlement was 
tlie place called Saluda old town. 

CATAWBAS, SUGAREE; on Sugar Creek, Lanmsfer disirict. 
Occupied the country above Camden or\ each side of the 
river of the same name; a Siuall remnant of this tribe of 
Indians still occupies a tract of cuuniry, laid off 5 miles 
square, laj-ing parJy in York and partly in Lancaster dis- 
tricts, on both sides of the river. 

PEDEES AND WINYAWS, SARAW, KADAPAW, WENEE- 
JPedees and Winyaws — On and near Pedee river. 
^Sara^^— Upper parts of the Pedee. 



109 

Kadapaw — On Lynch's creek. The Indian name of 
this creek, is "Kadapaw," 

Wenee- On the waters of Black Mingo, still called " In- 
dian tOVVHo" 

CH[CKASAWS. 

This nation occupied the west country, hack of the 
Carolinas, and with the Catawbas assisted the. whites a jjainsfc 
the Cherokees. These towns are now 500 msles due west 
from Charl 'Ston. 

The principal tribes who have last resided in or near 
South Cart;linaare,the Cherokees, Catawbas, Creeks, Chick- 
asaws, and Choctaws. 

The Cherokees, till the revolutionary war, continued to 
inhabit that part of South Carolina which now forms Pen- 
dleton and Greenville districts. Having taken part with the 
British, in that contest, they drew up^n themselves the 
resentment of the state ; and were so far subdued by its 
troops, that they were obliged, by treaty, (executed at De- 
"witt's corner,) on the 20ih -May, 1777, to cede, for ever, to 
South Carolina, all their lands eastward of the Unacaye 
mountains. They now reside beyond these mountains, as- 
sociated with the middle and upper Cherokees, and are in- 
oonsiderable, both in number and force. 

Of the twenty-eight nations, which inhabited South Car- 
olina in 1670, twenty-six have entirely distppeared. The 
Cherokees were permitted, during g <od behaviour, to re- 
si'ie on the west side of the Ocunee mountains, until lSl6p 
when they removed entirely out of the state. The Cataw- 
bas alone continue in the state at the prf^serit time. The 
remains of this faithfil ally of Carolina occupy an area of 
country equal to 14,00iJ acres, situated on each side of the 
Catawba river, on the borders of North Carulina. At the 
fir-t settlement of the province this nadon mustered iSOO 
iig'iting men, at present their warriors do not exceed 50, 
and/the whole nation scarely 110. These have degenera- 



no 

ted fi'om the hardiness of the Indian character ; and are s© 
generally addicted to habits of indolence and intoxication, 
that they are fast slaking into oblivion. 

The Creeks inhabit a fine country, on the southwest, 
between four and five hundred miles distant from Charles- 
ton: the number of both the upper and lower nations, does 
not exceed two thousand gun men. The Chickasiw towns 
lie about six hundred miles due west from Cnarleston, but 
the nation cannot send three hundred varriors into the field. 
The Choctaws aro at least seven hundred miles west south 
west from Charleston, and have between three and four 
thousand gun men. 

It is to be regretted that more of the Indian names of 
places, streams, &c. have not been retained among ns,as thej 
would have rendered such places more interesting to us^ 
and particularly to future generations ; their superior poetic 
sound would better grace the minstrel's song. 

As far as opportunity has permitted, the fi^w remaining 
Indian names have been cars^f'illy collected in this work, 
which the curious reader may find under the several dis- 
trict heads. In addition we shall here subjoin the names 
of some of the most celebrated Indian warriors, chiefs, and 
orators, who distinguished themselves in the early settle- 
ment of the country, together with the names of their 
towns ; and a few specimens of the language of the Cataw- 
ba Indians, in which we at the present day have the deep- 
est interest. . 



INDIAN CHIEFS, 
Distinguished in the early settlement of the province. 
Tluspah, king of the Huspah Indians, a tribe of the Ya~ 
massees. 

Sanute, a warrior of the Yamassee nation. 
Malatchie^ an orator of the Creek nation. 
Moitoy, commanderinchief of the Cherokee nation, com- 
puted to amount to upwards of 20,000, having 6000 warriors'. 



J^ajagustha, orator of t^e Cherokees. 

Ch<ilochcuilah, chief and orator of the Cherokees. 

Cenes-lee., a chief of the same nation. 

Jittakullakulla, a chief of the Cherokees,and esteemed 
the wisest among tliem. 

Fistoe, chief of Keovvee and a head warrior of Estatoe, 

Salone, a young; warrior of Estatoe. 

Occonostottty a warrior of the Cherokees and prince ©f 
Chote. 

Ha7gla7\ king of the Catawba nation.* 

Prow or Troiv, king of the Catawbas, elected 1765, 



INDfAN TOWNS AND RIVERS IN THE CHEROKEE NATiOK. 



Cowee and Cowee-cheej 
Conna-sait-se/ia - - 
See-edre-nee^ - ~ - 
U-set teh, --.-=. 
Ge-nes-see, - » - » 
Toos-too, - - » - 
Serah, ---»., 



a town and River, 

(Suii;ar) town, 
a town, 
a town, 
a town. 
(Frog) town, 
(Burning) town-. 



->«e©9''"~ 



THE CATAWBA INDIAN 
Mxemplified in the pronunciation of the 
common phrases. 



One, 

Two, 

Three, 

Four, 

Five, 

Six. 

Seven, 

Eight, 

ISfine, 

Ten, 



Ne-po-ya. 

Nau-pa-re, 

No-nion-da, 

Purree-piirree, 

Puc.-tree. 

Ne-purree. 

Was-sin-nee, 

Ne-pis-saw, 

Pat-chaw. 

Fitch-in-nee. 



My daughter, • 
My son, - 
A fine hoy, - - 
A beautiful girl 
A baby, - ■ 
I love you - ■ 
My wife, - • 
My brother, - 

The girl that I 



TONGUE, 

nine digits, and afew 

' Non-yaw. 

• Cow-re-dha-har-ree, 

• Cow-sin-nee-wi-ra, 
, Fa-wee-can-nee. 

• Cow-ri-dhagh. 

■ Ne-mough-sa-ragh . 

¥on-e-go-jau. 

■ Borough-hend-ha, 
Cwiree-har- 
ree-yaiv-ee^ 



love 



* ^^his is the grandfather of the present chief of the Gatawb 
tionj Gen. Scott. 



ana« 



112 

The Catawba Indians are wholly unaequainted with the 
etymuloji;y of their own words, and it is desirable, if possi- 
ble, that this should be obtained, as it would throw consi- 
derable light on their language.* 

* To give some idea of the present condition of these poor, but in- 
teresting Indians, the following anecdotes, (which occurred in 1816, 
when Professor Blackburn was making an astronomical and general 
topographical survey of the state,) are introduced. This gentleman 

accompanied by Mr. , of Lancaster, went to visit General 

Scott,the chief of the Catawba nation. We stopped,says Professor B. 
at a httle village cbnsistjngof four families of these Catawba Indians; 
I expected to see General Scott, the Catawba chief, but the General 
v/as absent. I saw however his brother Billy, a man about 55 , who 
had a degree of gravity about him that I thought commendable. I 
fcrought the usual present to an Indian camp, (ajug of whiskey,) and 
asked Billy if I might treat the ladies, who crowded around us; Billy 
gave his dissent to drams for women, and I obtained leave to treat 
the ladies only by earnest entreaty. Billy was shrewd, but very 
good humoured. Mr. K^g, [alias Capt. Keg,] had for wife an Indian 
woman, the daughter of Capt. Billy; as fine a figure, and as beauti- 
ful a face as I ever saw, save that her cheeks were not beds of roses. 
She was young, diffident, and retired, and absolutely refused to take 
a dram; her natural manner evinced her a genuine child of nature. 
I examined a silver ornament, she wore pendant from her neck, and 
in doing so I touched her bosom, — she slightly blushed, — the inscrip- 
tion was an eagle ; she wore a better dress than the other Indian 
women; her ornaments were mostly silver, but they gave her an air 
of superiority, and her modesty, and diffidence, proclaimed her the> 
queen of the Catawba ladies. We have been told that the Indian 
women are daringly bold ; Jenny had nothing of this ; she retired from 
my touch like the mimosa, and with embarrassed mauvaise honte^ 
and played, or pretended to play, with a little laughing Indian baby. 
My compass attracted attention: I drew the needle round with a 
piece of iron,— an old Indian woman named Sally, tried what a stick 
would do, to attract it in the same way ; this was in the true spirit 
of the Newtonian Philosophy; she then apphed her finger, all in 
vain. I showed her thatmy fingers could attract the needle, but she 
soon perceived that I had a penknife concealed in my hand, and 
producing her piece of steel for striking fire, she did even so. The 
Indians laughed, and I was deemed no conjurer. They however 
wondered to seethe distant trees brought close to my telescope, and 
when this wonder ceased, I showed them the same trees inverted 



lis 

After this brief review of the aborigines of our eounlfY, 
may I be permitted to distress a little, in order to enter a. 
plea for the remnant of this interesting nation ; projsrietors 
originally of a large section of country, but now lingering 
neglected and despised amongst us, sufiering all the evils 
arising out of depraved practices, and immoral nabits, the 
consequences of the sad inattention of those who were 
bound in duty, and from motives of policy, to teach them 
better ; to enlighten them with that knowledge, and those 
principles of virtue, which distin2;uish christians. What 
excuse can we have for such strange neglect of a peoplcj 
who, from the moment they identified themselves with 
us, ought to have received the fost-ring hand of a gene- 
rous legislature, aud had such means of instruction provided 
for them^ as would in time, constitute them a civilized peo- 
ple, capable of enjoying all the advantaijes arising from 
such a state? No reasonable excuse can be all- geJ for this 
lamentable indifference. Prejudice, the enemy of all that is 
generous, good, and great, has been alone the cause of it 
As this may have arisen from a want of a correct kno^v- 
ledge of duty, and as the progress of improvement amongst 
es to the present time, has been great, it forbids us to at- 
tribute a neglect of this kind, any longer to prejudice, ex- 
cept to that species of prejudice, whii-h has led to the idea, 
that the nature of the Ittdian character forbids improve- 
ment. But can we be satisfied with so poor an apology for 

wonder afler wonder ; yet, though apparently embarrassed, they 
showed no confusion, but rather a wish to find out the cause of ihe 
deception ; nothing seemed to divert them so much as to see my ne- 
,gTO boy standing, as they supposed upon his head. These Indians 
are shrewd ; what a pity it is they are not wise. Old Sally New- 
rivet spoke English pretty well. She is a half blood, and was wife to 
Gen. Newriver, a famous warrior of old; she seems about seventy, 
and has ho appearance of dotage ; il was she, ^'C'ho found out ray triek 
respecting the magnetic needle. (This remarkable persoaage is sui. 
It be still living, )M6.) 



114 

tte5j;Iecting a people, politically one with ourselves ; a peo- 
ple wo (though now few in number) were once a power- 
ful nation ; a people, to whom this state, upon equitable 
principles, political and pecuniary, is indebted ; who were 
the best friends and allies South Carolina ever had, (evinced 
hy their being yet amongst us,) who yielded up their lands 
freely to our forefathers, and became satisfied, at last, with 
a very small portion of the vast territory they formerly 
enjoyed. These facts ought to be sufficient to rouse us to 
a set'se of duty to these poor deserted sons of the forest 5 

Let us nobly resolve to seize the last remaining opportu- 
nity offered us, of redeeming the honor of the state, by ta- 
king the shattered remains of this once powerful tribe un- 
der its special care ; let us instruct their children, in the 
different employments of civilized society, bear with the 
unfortunate vices of adults, and where we discover an ex» 
emption from them, make every exertion to profit from it^ 
and endeavor to raise the Indian in his own estimation. 

The Catawba Indians are now reduced, from habits of in- 
dolence and inebriation, to very few ; their number does 
not exceed liO of every age. In 1700 (some years after 
the first settlement of Carolina) they mustered iSOO fight- 
ing men ; this would give the population of the nation at 
that time between 8 and 10,000 souls : about the year 
1743 the Catawbas could only bring four hundred warriors 
into the field ; compostd partly of their own men and part- 
ly of refugees, from various smaller tribes who, about this 
time were obliged, by the state of afiairs, to associate with 
them, on account of their reduced numbers. Among these 
Were the Watteree, Chowan, Congaree, Nachee, Yamassee 
and Coosah Indians ; at present not 50 men can be number- 
ed in the list of their warriors. What a sad falling off is 
here ! 

The remains of this nation now occupy a territory 15 miles 
square, laid out on both sides of the Catawba river, and in- 
cluding part of York and Lancaster districts. This tract em- 
braces a body of fine landsj well timbered with oak, &c 



115 

These lands are almost all leased out to white settlers, for 98 
years, renewable, at the rate of from 15 to ^20 per annum 
for each plantation, of about SOO acres. The annual income 
froiii these lands is estimated to amount to about ^5000. This 
sum prudently managed, would suffice to support the whole 
nation, (now composed of about 30 families,) comfortably. 
Yet these wretched Indians live in a state of abject povertyj 
the consequence of their indolence and dissipated habits. 
They dun for their rent before it is due, and the 10 or ^30 
received are frequently spent in a debauch ; poverty, beg- 
gary and misery follow, for a year. What a state of degra- 
dation is this for a whole people to be in, all the result of 
neglect of duty on our part, as guardians of their welfare. 

The Catawbas have two villages, one on each side of the 
river. The largest is called Newtown, situated immedi„ 
ately on the river bank : to the other, which is upon the 
opposite side, they have given no name, but it is generally 
called Turkey-head. 

King's Bottom is a very rich tract of land on the river, 
which the Indians have had sense enough to reserve for 
their children. 

The natural character of these Indians is shrewdness, and 
before they degenerated, they possessed a quick appprehen- 
sion, and some of those qualities of the heart which would 
do honor to man in the highest state of civilization. 

The color of their skins is somewhat tawny, which for- 
merly was increased by the practice of oiling and exposing 
their bodies to the sun. Their persons are generally straight 
and comely, their dispositions such as would allow the hope 
at least of their children's civilization in a few years, even 
should we despair of ever bringing their parents within the 
pale of moral reformation ; yet we may physically benefit 
them. 

There is a native dignity in the Indian character, that 
deserves consideration, and gives a promise of success to 
any efforts that might be made, (on proper principles) to 
civilize and enlighten them» Some of our Indians have 



lib 

exliibitedl a gvcstness of mind, and lrioujg;ht, which would 
not ciishoiiur the ratt-llect of the well educated white man, 
Kun^enms insiancts are on record, confirmaiory of this,and 
dis'plav ing an eloquence, comniaiiding and ignifisd. The 
speech of Lojjan has been often quoted to exemp ify the 
Indian characier fo! intelligence, but many were deli- 
vered at diliereut pern ds in this stale, which would also 
prove the same thing; two or three are to the following 
efiect :— 

In i"2l, when a treaty was entered into with the Chero- 
Itees, and afit-r Sir Alex. Cumming's speech was delivered. 
Skyjagustali, in the name of his nation, made the fol.ov\ ing 
address. ''We are come hither from a mountainous piace, 
where nothing but darkness is to be found, but we are now 
in a place where there is light. We look upon you as if 
tile great king was present, we love you as representing the 
greai king ; we shall die in the same way of thinking; the 
crown of our nation is diflerent from that which tlie 
great king George wears, and from that we saw in the tow- 
er; but to us it is ail one : the chain of friendship shall be 
carried to our people : we look upon the great king George 
as the sun and as our father, and upon ourselves as his chil- 
dren. For though we are red and you are white, j'et our 
Lands and hearts are joined together. When we shall have 
acquainted our people with what we have seen, our children 
from gener;.tion to generation will ahvays remember it. In 
war, we shall always be one with you ; the enemies of the 
great king sliall be our tnemit-s ; his people and ours shall 
be one, and shall die together. We camt hither naked and 
poor, as the worms of the earth ; but you have every thing; 
and we, thai have nothing, must love you, and will never 
break 'he chain of friendship w hich is between us. This 
small rope we show you is all that we have to bind our 
slaves with, and it may be broken; but you have iron chains 
for y> urs ; however, if we catch your slaves we will bind 
ther.! as well as we can, and deliver them to our friends 
and take no pay for it. Ycnr white people may very safe-. 



il7 

ly build heusef? near us ; we shall hurt nething'that belong^ 
to them, for we are children of one father, the great king., 
and shall live and die together." Then laying down his 
feathers upon the table, he added ; " This is our way of talk- 
ing, which is the same thing to us as the letters in the book 
are to you, and to you, beloved men, we deliver these fea- 
thers, in confirmation of all we have said." 

%^ttakullakulla (a great chieftain of the Cherokee na= 
tion and a steady friend t6 the province) having in vain en» 
deavoured to keep his people ar peace, and after the nation 
had been most severely chastised for joining the French 
against the Americans, went on with other chiefs to Charles- 
ton to hold a conference with lieutenant governor Bull^ 
who on their arrival called a council to meet at Ashley fer- 
ry ; and then spoke to the following effect : *fittakulla- 
kulla, I am glad to see you, as I have always heard of your 
good behaviour, and that you have been a good friend to the 
English ; I take you by the hand ; and not only you, but 
all those with you, as a pledge for their security whilst un- 
der my protection. Col. Grant acquaints me, that you 
have applied for peace ; I have therefore met, with my be- 
loved men, to hear what you have to say, and my ears are 
open for that purpose." A fire was kindled, the pipe of 
peace was lighted, and all smoked together for some timCy 
in great silence and solemnity. 

%dttakuUakulla then arose, and addressed the lieutenant- 
governor and council to the following efiect. *' It is a great 
while since I last saw your honor, I am glad to see you, and 
all the beloved men present. I am come to you as a mes- 
senger from the whole nation* I have now seen yoUj, 
smoked with you, and hope we shall all live as brothers. 
When 1 came to Keowee, Col. Grant sent me to you. You 
live at the water side, and are in light ; we are in darkness, 
but hope all will yet be clear. I have been constantly go- 
ing about doing good, and though I am tired, yet I come 
to s6e what can be done for my people, who are in great 
distress." Here he produced the strings of wampum he 



il8 

iiad received from the different towns, denoting their ear- 
nest desire for peace, and added : " as to what has happen- 
ed, I believe it has been ordered by our father above. We 
are of a different color from the white people. They are 
superior to us. But one God is father of all; and we hope 
what is past will be forgotten. God Almighty made all 
people. There is not a day but some are coming into and 
going out of the world. The great king told me the path 
should never be crooked, but open for every one to pass 
and repass. As we all live in one land, I hope we shall 
all love as one people." When the French were fumenting 
the quarrel before mentioned, Lewis Lateral, a French of- 
ficer ; at a great meeting of the nation, pulled out his hatch- 
et, and striking it into a log of wood, called out, "who is 
the man that vvill take this up for the king of France." 
Saione, the young warrior of Estatoe, instantly laid hold 
of it and cried, ^' I am for war. The spirits of our broth- 
ers, who have been slain, still call upon us to avenge their 
death. He is no better than a woman that refuses to fol- 
low me." 

When Govenor Glen met the Cherokee warriors in 
their own country, and held a treaty with them, after he 
had finished his speech, Chulochculla arose, and in answer 
spoke to the following effect. "What I now speak our 
father the great king should hear. We are brothers to the 
people of Carolina ; one house covers us all." Then ta- 
king a boy by the hand he presented him to the Governor, 
saying, "We, our wives, and our children, are all chil- 
dren of the great king George ; I have brought this child, 
that when he grows up, he may remember our agreement 
on this day, and tell it to the next generation, that it may 
be known for ever." Then opening his bag of earth, and 
laying the same at the governor's feet, he said : *' We freely 
surrender a part of our lands to the great king. The French 
want our possessions, but we will defend them, while one 
of our nation still remains alive." Then delivering the 
governor a string of wampum, in confirmation of what he 



119 

said, he added : " My speech is at an end ; it is the voice 
of the Cherokee nation. I hope the governor will send it 
to the king, that it may be kept for ever." 

There can be no question but that the mind of the Indian 
is superior to that of the Negro ; their natural social state 
was belter than that of the Africans in their own country. 
The history of some of the Indians of this continent, ex- 
hibit a state of refinement and social order, that places them 
upon almost an equal footing with eastern nations. The 
Mexicans and Peruvians displayed a progress in art, and 
even in letters, which ought to suffice to satifsy us that the 
Indian is not very far removed in intellect from the white 
man, and that half the attention and time which were de- 
voted to the civilization of Europeans from a savage state?, 
would have succeeded, to place the Indians upon an equal 
footing with them. Look at the works of art which our In- 
dians have reared in those parts of America, where they' 
had made any permanent settlement. Look at the state of 
their agriculture, domestic economy, religion, civil and 
military government, and we can no longer doubt the in- 
telligence and genius that lie hid in the bosom of the In- 
dian. 

Every thing proves that they were originally descended 
from an enlightened people ; those of North America, sep- 
arating into tribes, gradually fell back, in a greater or less 
degree, to a barbarous state. Some have supposed that the 
America Indians, are the descendants of the lost tribes of 
the House of Israel, from the discovery of certain religious 
rites, used among some of them, belonging peculiarly to 
the Jews. 

There is every probability of their having emigrated 
from the East, by the way of Kamscatka , descending South, 
along the shores of the Pacific ocean, until they reached 
Cape Horn.* 

* If there was no other reason (observes Dr. Barton) to believe that 
-he aboriginal Americansj and certain Asiatics, particularly the Ja- 



120 

Amonsi; the Gatawbas at the present day* Some adults tic» 
doubt may be found, exhibiting an intelligent mind, and an 
aptness to receive instruction. Sliould this even not be the 
case, We may be assured that their children can be taught. 
It is truly to be desired, that our legislature should insti- 
tute an inquiry into this momentous subject, and direct a 
eommission to go into the nation, (composed of such men 
as are known to be respected by the Indians,) and consult 
with the chiefs, and such influential individuals, as may be 
among the<!, upon the best plan to be pursued to effect the 
object under consideration, and report the same to them at 
an early day, so that the interesting work of instruction may 
be commenced and carried on with vigour and persever- 
ance, under the auspices of the slate. 

What an honour to South Carolina would it be, to rescue 
this last remaining of the numerous and powerful tribes of 
the aborigines of this state, from total annihilation ! The act 
would shed a lustre on the character of the state, rescue its 
honor from the minutest stigma, connected either with the 
claims of justice or gratitude, which this nation have 
upon it. 

The Catawbas, in the zenith of their glory, were a no- 
ble race. In war they were fearless of enemies — in address 
surpassed by none. Their warriors often traversed the- 
Blue ridge of mountains in all its difficulties, to wreak their 
vengeance upon the Six Nations in the northern parts of 
America. An instance or two of their heroism and ad- 
dress, will suffice to exhibit the character of this people. 

" A party of Seneca Indians, came to vvar against the 
Catawba ; bitter enemies to each other. In the woods, the 
former discovered a sprightly Catawba vvarrior, hunting, in 
their usual light dress. On his perceiving them, he sprung 
off for a hollow rock, four or five miles distant, as they in- 

panose, and Chinese, were the children of a common stock or family ;, 
we should almost be led to adopt this opinion, from an attention to 
the tradition of the Carolina Indians, concerning the first discover;'? 
and use of the cuscena.-— Materia Medica, page 56 — 58» 



121 

lereepted his running homewards. He was so extrenieljr 
swift, and skilful with the gun, that he kiiled seven of 
them in the running fight, before they were a^le to surronnd 
and take him. They carried him to their country in sad 
triumph ; but though he had filled them with uncommon 
grief and shame, for the loss of so many of their kindredj^ 
yet the love of martial virtue, induced them to treat him, 
during their long journey, with a great deal more civilityj, 
than if he had acted the part of a coward. The womert 
and children, when they met him, at their several towns, 
beat and whipped him, in as severe a manner as the occasion 
required, according to their law of justice, and at last he was 
formally condemned to die by the fiery tortures. It might 
reasonably be imagined from what he had for some time 
gone through, being fed with a scanty hand, a tedious 
march, lying at night on the bare ground, exposed to the 
changes of the weather, his arms and legs extended in a 
pair of rough stocks, and suflTering such punishments on hig 
entering into their hostile towns, as a prelude to those sharp 
torments for which he was destined, would have so impair- 
ed his health, and effected his imagination as to have sent 
him to his long sleep, out of any more sufferings. Proba- 
bly this would have been the case with the major part of 
the white people, under similar circumstances ; but I never 
knew this with any of the Indians. And this cool-headed, 
brave warrior, did not deviate from their rough lessons of 
martial virtue, but acted his part so well, as to surprise and 
sorely vex his numerous enemies. For when they were 
taking him unpinioned in their wild parade, to the place of 
torture, which lay near to a river, he suddenly dashed down 
those who stood in his way, sprung off, and plunged into 
the water, swimming underneath like an otter, only rising 
to take breath, till he made the opposite shore. He now- 
ascended the steep bank ; but though he had good reasons 
to be in a hurry, as many of the enemy were in the water, 
and others running every way like blood-hounds in pursuit 



122 

of him ; and the bullets flying around him from the time 
lie took to the river, yet his heart did not allow him to 
Jeave them abruptly, without taking leave of them in a 
formal manner, in return for the. extraordinary favors they 
liad done, and intended to do him ; after moving round, 
and exhibiting several signs of contentpt, he put up ihe 
shrill war-whoopj and darting off m the m;mner of a beast 
broke loose from its torturing enemies, he continued hifi 
fipeed so as to run, by about midnight of the same day, as 
far as his eager pursuers were two days in reaching. Ther& 
lie rested till he discovered five of those Indians wh« 
liad pursued him, and he lay hid a little way off their camp, 
till they were sound asleep. Every circumstance of his 
situation occurred to him, and inspired him with heroism., 
He was naked, torn, and hungry, and his enraged ene- 
mies were come up with him. But there was every thing 
now to relieve his wants, and a fair opportunity to save his 
life, and get great honor, and sweet revenge, by cutting 
them off. Resolution, a convenient spot, and sudden sur- 
prise, would effect the main object of all his wishes, and 
hopes. He accordingly creeped towards them, took one 
of their tomahawks, and killed them all on the spot. He 
then chopped them to pieces, in as horrid a manner, as sa- 
vage fury could excite, both through national and personal 
resentment. He stripped off their scalps, clothed himself^ 
took a choice gun, and as much ammunition and provisions 
as he could well carry in a running march, set off afresh^ 
Tvith a light heart, and did not sleep for several successive 
nights, only when he reclined, as usual, a little before day^, 
•with his back to a tree. As it were by instinct, when he 
found he was free from the pursuing enemy, he made di- 
rectly to the very place where he had previously killed 
seven of his enemies. He digged them up, scalped them, 
burned their bodies to ashes, and went home in safety, wiib. 
singular triumph. Other pursuing enemies came on the eve- 
ning of the second day, to the camp of their dead people^ 
Where the sight gaye them a greatei^ shock than they had 



123 

eTer known before. In their chilled war council, they 
concluded that as he had done such surprijsing things in hi& 
defence before he was captivated, and since that, in his na- 
lied condirion, and was now well armed, if they continued 
the pursuit he would spoil them all, for he surely was sni 
enemy wizard. And therefore they returned home. 

In the year 1762, seven Shawnese Indians penetrated in- 
to the provnice, way-laid the road from the Waxaws to° 
wards the old Catawba town on Twelve-mile Creek. King 
Haiglar was then returning home from the Waxaws, atten- 
ded by a servant, and was there shot and scalped by them| 
six balls penetrated his body. His servant escaped and 
gave notice ; but they were pursued without success. 

Two years afterwards, an equal number of Shawnese 
came to make war on the Catawbas. By some accident it 
was found out that they were hovering around the nation^ 
and twenty-two Catawba warriors immediately went in 
pursuit of them. About two hours before day they dis- 
covered them, encamped under a large spreading tree, on 
the north side of the Catawba river, about two miles beloiv 
the nation ford, lying asleep, around their fire. The 
Catawbas waited patiently until day light ; at which time,! 
when the Shawnese awoke, and began to stir up their fire, 
they poured in a volley of bullets on them. Two were kill- 
ed on the spot, four were taken prisoners, and the sev° 
enth escaped ; not, however, without being wounded. 
From thence the prisoners were carried to the nation ; ex- 
cept one, who had been among those, who tvvo years be- 
fore had killed King Haiglar. Fearing to be particularly- 
tortured on this account, he would not march ^ and wag 
otherwise so obstinate that they tomahawked him on the 
way. The others were carried prisoners to the nation ; 
where, on a certain day, they were whipped with hickory 
switches, until they were overcome and fainted, they were 
then/washed with cold water, and made to drink the same, 
until they were revived. And thus tormented and wash- 
edy their tortures were prolonged until revenge was satia" 



124 

te5 ; and savage fury lost its force. They were then de- 
livered over to thn boys ; who for their amusement shot 
them to death with their arrows. 

In the year 1765, king Prow, (or Frow,) was elected by 
the Catawbas as their king ; the head of that nation now 
is Gen. Scott, the grandson of king Haiglar, who had been 
slain. When the Brirish truops overrun this state in 1780, 
these Indians, who had always been true to her interests, 
retreated before Lord Cornwallis to Virginia ; and some of 
them attached themselves to, colonel Lee's legion, during 
their absence ; and took the field with him. After the bat- 
tle of Guilford, in North Carolina, they returned ; but not 
1;o their old town. This they deserted ; establishing in its 
room other towns on each side of the river ; and a few 
tliiles hi^^her up the stream. 

One more instance of the intelligent and dignified cha- 
S'acter of this nation we shall state : it is taken from the In- 
dian book (in the Secretary of Slate's office) for 1751. It 
will give some idea of Indian customs in forming treaties. 

Speech of William Bull, Jun. Esq., Commissioner 
from South Carolina, at a treaty held by Governor George^ 
Clinton, at Albany, with the Six Nations, on the 8th of 
July, 1751. 

My brethren^ ye Sachems, and Warriors of the Six jyations. 

Gov. Clinton having kindled a council fire at Albany, and invited 
the English governor and Indians to it; I am come a long way on the 
great sea, from South Carolina, to talk with you at it. And, as no 
governor or commissioner, from that province, hath ever shaken 
liands with you at Albany before ; I give you this belt of wampum, 
to tell you I am glad to see you, and to shake hands with you; that 
you may know me, and open your ears to hear what I have to say to 
you. 

(Here he gave a belt.) 

Brethren, 

The governor of South Carolina intended to have come himself, to 
S'ee you; but as there waa some bad talks from the Cherokee nation, 
g,s if they designed to stop the path, by killing and plundering the En- 



glish traders in tliat nation ; the governor resolved to stay to take care 
of his people. And, in case any mischief should be done by the 
Cherokees, immediately to carry war into such ef their towns, as 
should be concerned in it. He has, therefore, sent me, one of the 
beloved men, to talk for him ; and gave me this talk which I have in 
my hand, to deliver in particular from himself to you- He has fixed 
the great seal to it, that you may know it is a strong talk ; for tliis 
seal ties every thing strong to which it is fastened. It shall be read 
to you now, and may be read to your children after you. (Here the 
governor of South Carohna's talk was read) Brethren, with this talk 
I deliver this belt of wampum, to enforce the matters therein recom- 
mended to you. 

Brethren, 

It makes my heart and every English heart sorry to see Indians 
who are friends to the English, continuing at war with each other; 
it is almost like striking the hatchet into your brethren, the English. 
This can be pleasing only to our enemies; you my brethren of the Six 
Nations, are good friends to all the English; and the Catawbas, the 
Chickasaws, the Creeks, Cherokees, some of the Choctaws, and the 
small tribes of Indians living in our settlements, are also good friends 
to the Eng-hsh. It is very good, and therefore our desire, that all 
the Indians, who are friends to the Enghsh, should be friends to 
each other; and be included in the same bright chain, which holds 
the EngUsh and the Six United Nations together. I am now come 
a great way with the assistance of the governor of New- York, and 
the Commissioners from Massachusetts-bay and Connecticut, to 
lengthen the old covenant chain for that purpose ; and to plant the 
tree of peace. May it always be green like the laurel ! May its roots 
grow so strong in the earth, that no wind from the great lakes, or 
great rivers, where the French are settled, shall be able to blow it 
down : may its branches spread v/ide in the air, that you the Six 
Nations and the allies, may sit friendly under the shadow of it, with 
the Catawbas, Creeks, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Cherokees, and the 
small tribes living in our settlements ; and there smoke together ! 
And may the hatchet, and all that is past, be buried so deep under 
ground, that no cross person, who desires to dig it up, can find it ! 
Then, the time which you now spend, in going to war against our 
Indian brethren, may be so fully employed against our common ene- 
mies, or in hunting, that you may buy plenty of goods for yourselves, 
your wives, and your children. This will be very agreeable to the 
great king George ; who, like our good father, is grieved to see his 
children destroy each other; but is pleased when he sees them kind 



126 

oae to anotlier. To enforce this proposal, I give you the broad belE' 
of wampum. 

Brethren, 

Although South Carolina is so far distant from Albany, yet I have 
brought some presents for you, from that government; which you 
will accept of, as a testimony of friendship, v^hich that province hath 
for our bretliren, the Six Nations; I have them in my care; and 
they shall be delivered when governor Clinton makes his presents to 
you. To confirm this promise, I give you this string of wampum. 

My brethren, the Sachems, and Warriors of the Six JVations, 

Ye have heard, what his excellency governor Clinton has said, 
concerning a peace ; what the governor of South Carolina hath 
wrote; and also, what I have now said ; you will hear next, what 
the chiefs of the Catawbas, who came here with me, will say. They 
come to this council fire at Albany, to meet you in order to make 
peace with you. They know it is the desire of the English that peace 
should be made between you ; and you know, it is the desire of the 
English also. To open your ears, I give you this belt of wampum. 

[At this tinie the Catawba king, and his chiefs, approached the 
grand council, singing a song of peace, their ensigns, or colored fea- 
thers, borne horizontally, and not erected ; every one present admi- 
ving their descent, dignity and behaviour, as well as the solemn air 
of their song; a seat was prepared for them, at the right hand of the 
governor's company. Their two singers, with the two feathers, con- 
tinued their song, half fronting to the centre of the old sachems, to 
whom they addressed their song, and pointed their feathers, shaking 
their ipiusical calabashes ; vs^hile the king of the Catawbas was busy 
preparing and lighting the calumet of peace. The king first smoked 
and presented it to Hendrick, who gracefully accepted it, and smoked. 
The king then passed the pipe to each sachem in the front rank ; and 
several in the second rank reached to receive it from him, to smoke 
also. Then the Catawba singers ceased, and fastened their feathers, 
calumets, and calabashes, to the tent pole ; after which the king stood 
up, and advancing forwards, he began his speech to the Six Nations, 
in the following manner.] 

Friends, 

T, last year, with the advice of my great men, determined to make 
a peace with you, and set out for that purpose, but was taken sick 
by the way, which hindered me. The same resolution remained iii 
my heart, and the governor of Carolina agreeing with me, consented 
to send a vessel to New-York, that we might meet you here at this 



127 

treaty, which greatly rejoiced me. And when 1 came away, my 
towns all shook hands with me, and desired me for them, to make a 
peace ; and I give this belt, with all my towns upon it, signifying thafc 
they all join in my desire. 

We are all friends with the English, and de&ire to be so with our 
brethren the Six Nations. And as some of your people are now out, 
that do not know of the peace, when they are al) returned, and the path 
clear and safe, I will come to your towns and houses, and smoke with 
you as I would in my ov/n ! The king then, and alter him the other 
Catawbas, shook hands with the Six Nations; to which the Six Na- 
tions answered : 
Brethren, 

We are glad to see you here, and return you thanks, for 370ur kind 
.speech. But as it is a thing of moment, we must take time to con- 
sider it, and shall answer you this evening or to-morrow morning. 

The consultation of the Six Nations was in the open field, behind 
the fort at Albany, and lasted near three days. On th^ evening of 
the second day, the Mohawks withdrew from the council, declaring 
that they were for peace with the Catawbas; and that those who 
were not so determined, might consult farther. The other Five Na- 
tions met next day by daybreak, and at five o'clock in the morning, 
agreed also to the peace ; after which the following answer was giv- 
en, which more particularly relates to the Commissioner from South 
Carolina, and the Catawba nation. 

The grand council bemg formally assembled, as heretofore, the 
chief Sachem of the Senecas ht a pipe, and put it into the mouths 
of the Catawba king and his chiefs, who smoked out of it; and then 
returning it among the Six Nations. After which, the following an- 
swer was given by them : 
Brother Corlaer, 

In answer to the first paragraph of Mr Bull's speech^ we returtt 
him thanks for his kind speech, and desire that he will be faithful and 
honest, in holding fast the covenant chain. 

Arrickhwavmwgah, 

We thank you, kindly, for the governor of Carolina's letter, mi 
shall preserve it, as in oui bosom. 

Brother Corlaer, and others, particularly Arnckhwawawgah, 

We kindly thank your excellency, and the other gentlemen, fos 
the uneasiness they express, at the Indians murdering one another; 
and w^- consent that the hatchet be buried, where no jll-nat'ared Ber=- 
sisn cajri fmA it. [A l^elt.] 



128 

BVother Corlaer, and others, the Commissioners, 

Arrickhwawawgah the other day told us, by a helt of wampUMfs' 
that he came here to plant a tree of peace; that the English and In- 
dians mig-ht set in peace under it. We thank you for your good de- 
sign, and heartily join you in it. And may it grow large, and last 
for ever. [A belt.] 

Arrickhwawawgah also told us, that he brought with him some 
of your brethren, the Catawbas ; and gave us a belt to open our ears 
to hear them. We have heard them, and thank him for his advice* 
(A belt) 

Arrickhwawawgah further told us, that although he came a great 
way, he brought somethmg in his bosom as a present for us ; and to 
remind him thereof, we give this string of wampum. 

Brethren, the Catawbas, 

You come to our doors and fires to make peace with us, and we 
have heard your kind speech, and thank you for it. And, as a token 
that you came to make peace, and were received as our friends, we 
give you this white belt of wampum, to wear about your necks ; that 
all that see it. may know that you have been here, and were receiv- 
ed as our friendso 

Brethren, the Catawhas, 

This belt serves to make you more powerful, and give you short 
horns. It has been a custom among all the Indian nations, when 
they come to sue for peace, to bring some prisoners with them ; and 
when you return with prisoners, the peace shall be completed, and 
your horns lengthened. And. we give you a year to return with the 
prisoners ; and if you do not come in that time ; we shall look upon 
the peace as void. 

Brethren, the Catawhas, 

We will take your pipe up to the Mohawks' castle ; it being the first 
town you come to as it were ; and there sit and smoke, and think 
of you ; and not go out to war, if you return in the time appointed 
by us. 

[Here the king of the Catawbas answered.] 

I have long wished for a peace with you, the Six Nations ; but 
never had an opportunity till now. And as it is completed before his 
excellency, and these commissioners, and the belt past, I shall wear 
it about my neck as a token of friendship. It is a right and good 



129 

custom, that prisoners should be exchanged in making a peace ; and 
if you will send s(jme of your people with me, I will carry them to 
my own house, and they shall live as I do. And I will then deliver all 
the prisoners I have, and come with them, and conduct them safe to 
their own doors. 

Brethren the Catawbas^ 

As to your request of sending some of our people to your country, 
it is unprecedented, and what we never have done at the first time 
of meeting; and none of our people are prepared to go ; thereforej 
we cannot agree to it ; but we may, at the second time, send some 
of our people with you. 

[Here the Catawbas answered.] 

We shall come in a short time to your own towns ; and you may 
expect to see us. 

[Six Nations answered.] 

Brethren the Catawbas, 

We desire when you come again, you will come by water, and 
bring a commissioner with you, that we may know you to be the 
isame, and as there are several nations united with us, v/ho may not 
know of this peace, the path may be dangerous, and may destroy 
what is now done- But if you come to this place by water you will 
'■^0 safe. 



l^HYSICAL FEATURES— CLIMATE— HEALTH— DIS- 
EASES— SOIL— PRODUCTIONS, NATURAL AND 
ARTIFICIAL— COMMERCE. 



PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

South Craolina, physically considered, may properly be 
divided iiito seven sections. 

The First, naturally includes the Sea Islands. These 
extend along the coast from Winyaw Bay to the Savannah 
River, and are of comparatively recent formation. They 
are generally composed of sand, which in many parts is 
mixed with a rich vegetable loam of grea* fertility, produ- 
cing abundantly Black seed or Sea Island cotton, corn, &c. 
The sweet and sour orange, grow here with but occasional 
injury from the frost of very cold winters. These islands 
are surrounded by salt water, and are therefore wenerallj?" 
healthy. They form delightful residences amidst abun- 
dant wealth. 

Second. As the tide flows up the rivers of this state but 
thirty or forty miles from the ocean, and for about one 
third of this distance only the water is salt, this extent well 
designates the Second Section ; the innumerable marshes 
bordering on these rivers being capable of irrigation every 
flood tide with fresh water, constitute the valuable rice 
lands called tide swamp, which nowhere extend more 
than thirty miles from the ocean : these lands produce 
generally two barrels, or 1400 lbs. of rice to the acre, some 
much more, and are very valuable. The high lands in 
their vicinity are generally poor, low and level, not r sing 
more than from fifteen or twenty feet above the sea. 
This regfon may be regarded as decidedly unhealthy, and 



131 

the wealthy planters, who inhabit it in the winter and 
spring, Iv'ave it for a residence in Charleston or the side 
lands during the rest of the year. It is entirely alluvial. 

Third. The region between the tide. swamp and the 
sand hills of the middle country forms a belt about thirty 
miles wide, and constitutes the Third Section. This is a 
secondary formation, and contains the shell lime-stone, 
which extends through all the southern Atlantic states. 
This region has a small but gradual rise from the sea-coasty 
and at its upper margin is about SO or 100 feet above the 
ocean. The river swamps here are from two to six miles 
wide, formed of rich depositions from the upper country ; 
but they are so low as to be frequently inundated by the 
freshets from above, and therefore are unsafe for planting ; 
nothing but high and extensive embankments would fit them 
for cultivation. The highlands of this region are very flat; 
and filled with swamps and ponds ; many of these were for- 
merly cidtivated in rice, called inland rice swamps, which 
were flowed from reservoirs. They are now mostly aban- 
doned, in consequence of the difficulty of draining them in 
wet, and of irrigating them in dry seasons. The highlands 
are generally p )or, presenting occasionally some rich cot- 
ton lands. This region may be regarded as very sickly, 
especially in the neighbourhood of the abandoned rice fields, 
which are as fatal to health as the pontine marshes of Italy. 
There are however several sand ridges in the intervals 
which form healthy retreats. 

Fourth. The sand hill region, which forms the Fourth 
Section, is about thirty miles wide, and includes the ex- 
tremes of sterility and fertility. The high lands are com- 
posed of extensive ridges of barren sand, covered with 
small pitch pine and black Jack, or dwarf black oaks. 
The air here is remarkably salubrious, and the water pure 
and pleasant. Taking the whole year round there is no 
couiplry more healthy ; the summers are very free from 
bilibus and the winters from inflammatory dise;ises. In 
this region the rivers are bordered b}^ a great extent of al- 



132 

Iwnsil low grouiirls, which are so hio;h as to be rarely affect- 
6ii by freshets, and are very ferlile Cotton, c.jrn and 
wheat are the usual products ; but tobacco, indigo, and rice 
may be cultivated h(;re to 2:reat advantage, should cotton 
becoiho a less pr fitable cul.ure. These swamps are not 
h« aJihy, but the sand bills which adjoin tiiern, rjr^sent 
healthy retreats to the plaflters, who ,-enerallv retire to 
them in the aututnn. Here p'f^rfect health and sTeai fertii- 
ity approach eacn other neater than in any other pari uf the 
siHte. The river swamps are elevated about 100 feet 
ab ve the ocean, and the sand hills rise from 60 to 200 feet 
lush'^r- The sand hills of this region appear to have once 
beer; die shore oi the ocean, whicn covered all the country 
below them. 

Fifth. Immediately above the sand bills which, begin 
the Fifth Section, there is a belt of country about thirty 
miles wide, very broken, formed of a stiff red or yellow 
clay, covered with a thin soil, having a growth of long leaf 
or pitch pine, and Spanish or red oak. This region is 
poor and tob.n'ably healthy, of a light alluvial soil of con- 
siderable fertility. Within the limits of these 30 miles 
are the first falls of our rivers, which vary from fifty to 
ninety feet 

Sixth. The country between this last division and the 
mountai s, constituting the sixth s ction, is about eighty or 
ninety miles wide, and possesses a pretty uniform character. 
It is of primitiv formation, and rests on granite, and 
Gneiss rocks. The surface is generally claj?, covered with 
a rich soil, sometimes mixed with sand and gravel. This 
region is hill)'", and in many parts too rolling for cultiva- 
tion, without washing. It is well calculated for all the 
vegetable productions cf the state, excepting rice, which 
cannot be raised here to advantag , in consequence of the 
diiiiculty of irrigation in a bioken country. This is cer. 
lainly at present the most valuable section of the state, as 
well as the most populous. It is less fertile than tne river 
Swamps, but is much more heakhy. it is capable of great 



133 

improvement in its agriculture, and of supporting a very 
dense population- It is now much the thickest settled part 
of the state. The beds of the rivers, where they cross the 
upper iine of this regiton, are from 500 to 600 feet above 
the ocean. Lime-stone is found here only on the waters 
of Broad river, in York, and Spartanburg districts. 

Seventh. The mountains of this state, which form the 
las^ section, are confined to Pendleton, and Greenville dis- 
tricts. They give rise to a great number of streams, which 
pass through fertile valleys, containing the only tillable 
land in ibis region. The climate here is too cold, and the 
summers too shon for raising cotton, but corn, wheat, oats, 
rye, barley, and mos' of ihe productions of ti^e north, ai'e 
cultivated here to great advantage. The summers in these 
mountains are very pleasant, and healthy ; the weather, in 
the winter variable, and the inhabitants subject to the in- 
flamatory diseases of the norih. It may be, however, pro- 
nounced more healthy th :n the eastern states, being less 
affected by consumptions, pleurisies, and typhus fevers. 

CLIMATE, HEALTH, DISEASES. 

In comparing the climate of South Carolina, with simi- 
lar climates in Europe, we find it lying under the same at- 
mospheric influences with Aix, Rochelle, Montpelier, Ly- 
ons, Bordeaux, and other parts of France : with Milan, 
Turin, Padua, Mantua, and other parts of Italy; with 
Bedo, Benda, Crimea, and other parts of Turkey, in Eu- 
rope, with Circassia, Astracan, and other parts of Russia, 
Tartary, and of Chinese Tarlary, which lie between the 
44th. and 47th degrees of North Latitude : for it is a re- 
markable fact, that there exists twelve degrees of differ- 
ence between the two hemispheres. 

The climrjte of South Carolina, is in a medium between 
that of tropical, and of cold temperate latitudes. 

Sii)^e 1731, (says Dr. Ramsay, who wrote in iSOS,) the 
difference between our coolest and warmest summers, has 
banged between S8 and 93, and the difference between our 



134 

mildest and coolest winters, has ranged (on a few partif^ular 
days,) from 50° ro 17° of Fahrenheit ; our greatest hi-at is 
sometimes less, and never more than what takes place in 
the same se.<sons in Baltimore, PhiladeijDhia, and New^ 
York ; bur tue vviirm weather in these places does not, on 
an average, continue above six weeks, while in Carolina, 
it lasts fr :.in three to four months ; our nigl.ts are also 
warmer than theirs ; the heat of the dnys m Charlesto is 
moderated b}' two causes, which do not ^•xist in any < qual 
degree, to the northwar! of it. The siiuation of this city, 
open, and near the sea, almost surrounded by water, and 
notfer ilislant from the torrid zone, gives it a small propor- 
tion of the trade winds, which blowing from the south- 
east, are pleasantl}^ cool. These generally set in about 10 
A. M. and continue for the remainder of the day. A se- 
cond reason may be assigned, from the almost daily show- 
ers of rain, which fall in he hottest of our summer riiOnths, 
frequently accompanied with much ihunder and lightning, 
and therefore are called thunder showers. 

The degrees of extreme heat, are considerably less at 
Charleston, than in the interior western country ; where 
the thermometer has stood as high as 96° and bl°, whil-^t at 
Charleston it did not exceed 91°. In the summer, however, 
during the night and early part of the morning, the air is 
so cool, that a blanket is found necessary for comfort, in the 
upper districts, near the mountains. 

The number of extreme warm days in Charh ston, is 
sekiom above thirty in a year, and it is rare for three of 
these to follow each other. On the other hand, eight 
mi.nths out of twelve, are moderate and pleasant. The 
number of piercing cold days in winter, is more, in pro- 
portion to our latitude, than of those which are distressingly, 
hot in su^nmer, but of these, more than three rarely come 
together. 

April, May, and June, are in common our healthiest 
months, with the exception of the cholera infantum, and 
foovi'-el diseases among children. August and September are 



135 



tine most sickly, April and May are the driest. In June,, 
July, and August, we have most rain. N<ivember i« the 
most pleasant. In some years January, and in ctbers Feb- 
ruaiy is the coldest month. If our fruit is i'.jured, it is 
in the last month. In ivinter, the mountai'is near the 
North West bciuudary of the state, are often covered with 
snow ; In the intero. ediate country, but seldom. Ice 
houses near Columbia have been frequently filled with ice 
half an inch thick, from the contig;uous ponds. 

The inliabitants of Charleston keep fires in their houses, 
from four lo six months in the year ; vegeiation is cliecked 
in the low country for about six weeks ; in the up couutryj 
from six to eight weeks. 

The hygrometer in Charleston, shows almost canstant 
humidity in the air. For the last seven years, it has not 
marked less than sixteen dry days for each. The barom- 
eter stands generally between SO'' and 31°, 

The extremes of heat and cold, since 1791, have been 
76° asunder. 

The subjoined statement of meteorological observations^ 
for the year 1803, may serve as a sample of the climate. 



1802. Days of Rain. 


Indies. 


Tenths, 


January, - 2 


- - 


- 


- 


- 4 


February, - 4 


- - 


- 


. 


- 8 


March, - 2 


. . 


. 


■- 


- S 


April, - - 3 


- - 


- 


'^ " _ 


- 


May, - ~ 7 


. „ 


- 


3 - 


- 


June, - • 7 


_ - 


- 


3 - 


- 4 


July, - - 14 


. » 


- 


13 - 


- 1 


August, - 10 


. - 


- 


4 - 


- 9i 


Sep 1 ember, 5 


- - 


- 


5 - 


- 8§ 


October - 3 


- _ 


- 


- 


- 2 


November, 1 


- - 


- 


o 


- 4 


December, - 6 


. „ 


- 


3 - 


o 



64 



136 

The direction of the winds for the year 180,3, may be 
seen from the folio • in^; 'able. 







Winds. 


Days. 


Winds. 


Days, 


January, 


S. 


to 


N. W 


17 


N. 


to S. E. 


14 


February, 


do. 




do. 


15 


do. 


do. 


13 


March, 


do. 




do. 


20 


do. 


do. 


11 


April, 


S. 


to 


N. W. 


22 


N. 


to S, E. 


8 


May, 


do. 




do. 


26 


do. 


do. 


5 


June, 


do. 




do. 


iS 


do. 


do. 


12 


July, 


do. 




do. 


21 


do. 


do. 


10 


August, 


do. 




do. 


16 


do. 


do. 


15 


September, 


do- 




do. 


18 


do. 


do. 


13 


October, 


do. 




do. 


S 


do. 


do. 


23 


November, 


do. 




do. 


14 


do. 


do. 


16 


December, 


do. 




doi. 


17 


do. 


do. 


11 



The latest frost in the spring of 1803, was March the 
fifteenth, the earliest in autumn was October twenty-sixth, 
or rather, November first. The coldest day was February 
twenty-third, the thermometer 32°. The next coldest day 
was December ninth, the thermometer 33°. The greatest 
and least degrees of heat in eaih month, was as follows : 





Greatest. 


Least. 


January, 


74° 


45° 


February, 


69 


32 


March, 


74 


44 


April, 


S6 


61 


May, 


84 


66 


June, 


S6 


72 


July, 


87 


70 


August, 


89 


72 


September, 


89 


60 


October, 


81 


54 


November, 


74 


45 


December, 


70 


S3 



137 

According to a register kept in Columbia, by Professor 
Wallace, of the South Carolina College, the thermometer 
ranges during the six summer months, between 58° and 
100°, very few days as low as 53°, and still fewer as high, 
as i 00° For two or three days in the last of June, or tirst of 
July, in every year, the thermometer stooi fr^m 94° to '*6°5, 
but in July 1884, it was for ten days together, from 96° to 
101°, and for fifteen days longer, not lower than 90°. The 
mean temperature of these months, is about 79° of Fahren- 
heit. During the summer months, our gusts of rain are 
generally from the westward, but in very wet seasons, they 
frequentl}'^ collect and come over from every qu;irter. The 
clouds arise suddenly, generally accompuiied with light- 
ning and thunder, but seldom very severe. Our continued 
and steady rain are from the eastwanJj but never descend 
in such torrents as on the sea-coast. The average quantity 
of water which has fallen in the last two years, as ascer- 
tained also by Professor Wallace, has been 43 to 4S inches 
per annum. 

The following are the prevailing diseases of the upper 
country, (as noted by an eminent practitioner. Dr. Davies of 
Columbia,) from which it will be seen, that there are 
no peculiar or uncommon diseases in this section of the 
state. 

Intermittent and remittent fevers are the most prevalent 
&nd serious, with which this section of the state is visited. 
These fevers become more or less epidemical every au- 
tumn. Intermiitents yre not frequently mortal ; but the 
remittent fevers are often so, and prove more fatal than all 
other forms of disease to which it is liable. 

In the winter the diseases consist of catarchal feveiSji 
pneumonias, rheumatismsj occasional angi as, .niid dysen- 
teries, protracted intermittents, and aromalous fevers ; all 
partaking of a bilious character and evidently the -.ifTsprfng 
of the same causes which produce the fevers of autumn^ 
.modified by the influence of a cold temperature. 

R 



1S8 

fieisides these, there is a protracted irregular remittent 
fever, common to all parts of the interior of this country^ 
It invades in all seasons indiscriminately, but is most com- 
mon in the cold months. It is frequently accompanied 
tvith typhoid symptoms, and is commonlyy though loosely 
designated by the term typhus. It i- never epidemical, 
but sporadic. It also partakes of a bilious character, and 
seems to be the offspring of the same causes as th; se of 
our autumnal fevers, modified by the air of close, crowded, 
unveiitilated and uncleanly apartaients : or else by hard 
study, sedentary habits, an 1 the influence of the depress- 
irig passions. This fever is not contagious, nor have we 
any c ntagious disease amongst us, except those that are 
specifically so every where, as measli-S, hooping-cough, &c. 
The evils that every year take place more or less, in the 
northern states, from drinking cold water, are unknown 
litre, owing to the temperature of well-water in no part of 
the state, being lower than 60°, and as high as 65° in 
Charleston. This is 1 2 degrees above the well-water in 
Philadelphia. A solitary case of injury from drinking 
Gold water is recorded of a negro man } who after making 
a draught, (being very warm,) suddenly fainted away, be- 
eanif ins aie, and continued so for several days, but after- 
wards recovered. 

The sum total of rain on an average of five years, whicIl^ 
fell in Charleston (viz. from 173s to 174:^, as observed by Dr. 
Linning,) was forty-eight inches and six tenths in the year, 
and of ten years, (viz. from 1750 to 1760, as observed by 
Dr. Chalmers,) was forty-one inches and three fourths in 
the year. The annual average quantity, by the observation 
©f the Medical Society for ten years, (viz. from 1797 to 
lS07,) was forty nine inches and one third. The greatest 
quantity in any one of these last ten years, was e'ghty_ 
thiee inches and one fourth j this was in i799, and the least 
was thirty-eight inches and one sixth, in the year 1800. 
The greatest quantity in any^month in these ten years, was 
twelve inches and one ninth jtliis was in August^ 1719. 



1S9 

In the course of the ten years, four months passed without 
any rain, and several in each of which it was less than one 
inch. The number of rainy days in five years, (or from 
1S02 to ISOS,) gives an average of seventy-two for each. 

We have before pointed out the particular portions uf the 
state, that at certain seasoiis of the year are unhealthy. The 
causes are \ ery apparent, and cannot be mistaken. The 
numerous swamps, bays, and low grounds which indent the 
low country, retain the waters that fall in rains ; and in 
consequence of these, occasion thick fogs throughout the 
night, during the summer months. Even in the upper 
districts, along the water courses, thick fogs also cover the 
adjacent grounds at night, but are dissipated by the rays 
of the sun ; those who are much exposed to these fogs ear- 
ly in the morning will be subject to intermittent fevers. 

Under such circum-tances it is a matter of little surprise 
that fevers prevail. It is to be regretted, that knowing the 
cause, no effort has been made to remove the evil. It is 
perfectly practicable and within the means of the state 
(indeed of individuals) to accomplish, if simultaneous ef- 
forts were to be made by them. Independent of the incalcu- 
lable benefits v/hich would result from it in point of health 
and comfort to the inhabitants, the finest lands in the state 
would thereby be brought into cultivation, and the way 
opened for increasing the population of this section of the 
State, thus adding to the physical power of the country. 
There is no subject connected with the interests of South 
Carolina more worthy of the consideration of an enlighten- 
ed liCgislature than this. Such a work would be the con- 
summation of the system of Internal Improvement of the 
state, which vvould realize immense wealth and prosperity 
to the country.* 

"^ In another place the reader will find this suLject more particu- 
larly discussed, and the author solicits the serious consideration of 
!iis f^low citizens to it, as the best interests of the state, and espe- 
vially, of the low country, are involved in it. 



140 

The lower, as well as the upper parts of South Carolina, 
were more healthy ai the time of their first seltiement thaa 
they are now, but particularly the lower country. The 
exciting causes <;£ disease lit: dormani in the native state of 
new countries; while they are undisturbed by cultivation j 
but when the ground is cleared, and its surface broken, 
they are put into immediate activity, and can only be eradi- 
cated bv an industrious perseverance in removins; the cause 
which gave them birth. The low country has suffered 
where the cultivation of the swamps has been but partial, 
afterwards deserted and left to return to a state of nature, 
which in the mean time produce evils of greater magnitude 
than they possibly could in their original state. In the up- 
per country nothing of this kind occurs; it is continually 
improving by cultivation ; and when the putrescent mate- 
rials are expended, and the original mephitic effluvia ex- 
hausted, the health of every part will bp established upon 
the surest basis. 

There is no doubt but that the climate of this country, 
like that of others, will improve in proportion to its culti- 
vation and agricultural advancement. From observations 
made throughout a period of seventy years the fact seems 
to be proved, that the climate has chan2:ed for tlie better. 

The heats of summer have abated several degrees, and 
there is every reason for believing, that eventually the re- 
gion for raising the cotton plant successfully will be remov- 
ed two or three degrees farther to th Sou*h. 

The country being laid open by cultivation, a freer pas- 
!§age will he given to the cold winds flowing from the moun- 
tains, and the conclusion is reasonable, that our summers 
will be cooled by them. It may be proved by inferences 
from facts stated in the Bible and in the Greek and Roman 
classics, that the climates of th )se parts of Asia and Europe, 
with which we are best acquainted, have been meliorated 
to the extent of fifteen or twenty degrees, within the last 
twenty or thirty centuries. 

In the Medical History of South Carolina, the improye- 



141 

Bient t)f the eountry is only one cause of a melioration of 
its diseases ; the judicious medical treatment of the sick, 
is another. The history of the smallpox, and of the yel- 
low fever, from the first settlement of the province will 
prove this. The years 1700 and 1717, are the dates of the 
two first attacks of smallpox in Charleston. The mortali- 
ty in the beg:inning was very great, until inoculation for 
the disease was introduced nearly forty years after ; again, 
the physicians by pursuing a wrong method of treatment of 
the inoculated patient, (from the want of a knowledge of 
the nature of the disease) scarcely reduced the mortality 
of the disease, taken in the natural way ; when the true 
regimen was adopted, with inoculation, the disease passed 
over without any considerable mortality or inconveni- 
ence. 

In the year 1 802 Vaccination was introduced into Charles- 
ton by Doctor David Ramsay, within four years after Dr, 
Jenner had published its efficacy in preventingt he small- 
pox ; and this loathsome disease has been, comparatively 
speaking, eradicated in the state. The future ravages of 
the smallpox may be fairly put to the account of the care- 
less, the ignorant, or the prejudiced. It would be correct 
policy in our Legislature to require by law, under a penal- 
ty, the vaccination of every child in the state, and make it 
both the duty and interest of physicians to attend to it.* 

* The deep importance of this subject to the welfare of the State,iu~ 
duces the author of this work to subjoin here a plan which has been 
proposed in England to secure the efficacy of vaccination, and thuB 
put an end to doubt on its preventive power against the smallpox. 

The idea has been adduced, that the virus be.'omes weakened in 
the direct ratio as the distance it may have attained from its original 
source in the cow. Thus supposing the virus to possess a maximum 
of ajeStivity when taken directly from the quadruped and inserted into 
the human system, it is not unreasonable to suppose, that it shall be- 
come less and less active in every successive vaccination of one indi- 
vidual trt/m another, unnl it becomes, at length, capable only of pro- 
ducirtg tiie local diseased appearances, without the consitutiona) af- 
fectioii, aiidj of course, ceases to- be any longer a preventive of 



142 

Fevers more or less dangerous, according to physical or 
local circumstances occur, in various parts of the state, but 
those occurring in the low country are the most fatal. 
The cause of them has been already given. The two fe- 
vers most dreaded here, are, what are commonly termed 

smallpox. That a diminution of activity in the virus of some dis= 
eases, which are of a contagious nature, has actually taken place, 
is evident from the milder forms which these diseases now assume, 
compared with those which they formerly presented ; now, as this 
has been ascertained in one disease communicated by contagion or 
inoculation, there is strong reason for supposing that the same law 
may influence others : nor would it be difficult to'ascertain the fact.in 
the case of cow-pox, although a period of at least twenty years 
would be required for the completion of the observations which 
would be required. The following is the plan we would suggest for 
ascertaining the fact. 

Let every practitioner of medicine throughout the state, be. fur= 
nished with tables, constructed in the form of a genealogical tree, 
the root of which shall be the cow ; and oblige him, by an act of 
that nature, to enter on the branches of that tree, the age of the 
virus which he employs in every vaccination. Thus : suppose 
that the tree contain one hundred branches, proceeding in right an- 
gles from the stem, those vaccinations which are performed with vi- 
rus taken directly from the cow would be recorded on the first 
branch immediately above the root, on each side of the stem ; the 
vaccinations with virus taken from the individuals there recorded, 
should be inserted on the second branch ; and those agam, from 
these on the third ; proceeding in the same manner until the virus 
cease to operate as a preventive. At this point then, the tree should 
terminate ; and if the same point be that at which it is found to 
prove inert in the majority of trees, new tables should be construct- 
ed, of which this point should be the highest branch or apex ; and, 
as soon as all the other branches of any one of these are filled, the 
virus should be again obtained from the cow, and the progressive 
vaccinations recorded upon a new tree. To render this effective, the 
first, or experimental trees should be transmitted to a College of 
Physicians, or some other body appointed by the act to examine 
them and ascertain the point at issue ; and after that had been ef- 
fected, the subsequent or standard trees should be distributed to in- 
dividual practitioners by the same authority. 

We are perfectly aware of the dilfipulty of obtaining observations 
*n this point, which should, in every instance, be of a description te 



■'Sffe 



143 

the country and yellow fever. The first is peculiar to the 
country, and to avoid it, the planters are in the habit ei- 
tht-r of residing; ii; Charlesron during; the sickly season, or 
retiring: to the Sea Islands or Sand hills. 

be implicitly relied upon, even by the aid of a legal enactment ; but 
if the majority was accurate, the purpose would be answered, and 
the private interests of practitioners, a/ter the pomt was clearly as- 
certained and made known to the public, would be the surest guar- 
antee for the accuracy of the standard trees. 

We offer this suggestion in its present crude form, because it may 
perhaps elicit some discussion on the practicability of the measure 
and its utility ; and these being determined, no great difficulty would 
arise in aranging the details of the plan. It is one, undoubtedly, 
of great importance to the public, in whose estimation the value of 
vaccmation is obviously on the decline ; and even the best informed 
professional observers are unsettled in their opinions. Indeed, were 
clear and correct information required respecting the history of any 
of the cases of smallpox after vaccination which have occurred, we 
doubt whether it could be furnished ; hence the necessity of adopt- 
ing some measure to attain the truth. 

Whatever may be thought of the project which we have brought' 
forward, something should be done to stay the baneful effects which 
must necessarily follow the want of confidence, which is now widely 
felt in the preventive efficacy of vaccination. If the poor cease to 
have their children vaccinated, they will either get them inoculated 
with smallpox, and consequently spread and keep up that loathsome 
and fatal disease, or what is still worse, they will leave them alto- 
gether to their fate, that is, to the almost certainty of taking the dis- 
ease by infection. In either case, the injury to society would be 
incalculable; and although we are such enthusiasts as to believe 
that smallpox can be exterminated, yet without great pretension to 
the spirit of prophecy, we might predict that its appearance among us 
would " be few and far between," were proper means taken to investi- 
gate the real extent of the preventive power of vaccination, and when 
these have been ascertained, to encourage, if not enforce its general 
adoption. None can deny that smallpox is propagated by infection ; 
and although we must admit that the causes, whatever they were, 
which originally produced the disease, may again introduce it into 
any country ; yet, were the springs of infection dried up, the baneful 
torren^ which has so long risen from them would cease to flow, while 
centuries might intervene without the primary causes of the disease 
operating in sufficient force to restore its existence. 



144 

The second belongs exf^lusiv'^ly to the cify, and ir gene- 
rsllj fatal to strangers only, who have not, as it is termed) 
become ciimaiized. 

The first appearance of an epidemical diste/nper in 
ChsrltstO!!, was in 1700, which was called b) the inhabi- 
tants, from its fatality, the plague, but which there is every 
reason to believe was the yellow fever. In 1703 it return- 
ed, and recurred again in 1728. The physicians knew not 
how to treat the uncommon disorder, wbich was so sudden- 
ly taken, and of <5uch a fatal nature. In 1732 the vellow 
fever began to rage as early as May, and continued till 
September and October In 1739 it was nearly as violent 
in its operations as in 1732, and was observed to fall most 
severely on Europeans. In 1745 and .748 it returned, 
but with less violence. It appeared again in 1753 and 
1755, but did not spread. In all these visitations it was 
generally supposed the yellow fever was imported ; and it 
was remarked that it never spread in the country, though 
often carried there by infected persons, who died out of 
Charleston, after having caught the disease in it. 

Had a particular record been kept of the improvements 
Hiade in the city, in reclaiming the low grounds, making 
up the wharves, &c. &c., it might have been in our power 
to trace the origin of this fatal malady to local circumstances; 
for that it arises from this cause is now well understood and 
admitted among medical men, confirmed by incontestable 
facts. That it is not an infectious disease, is now also well 
established ; the protection therefore against its ravages 
must rest on our attention to local circumstancesj namely, 
to the exposure of decaying vegetable matter to the influence 
of heat and moisture, whether taken out of docks, drains. 
or habitations ; and to the prevalence of southwestwardly 
winds, for a long period during the summer, bringing with 
them an atmosphere charged with all the deleterious quali- 
ties of those vast swamps, which lie in that direction fronfi 
the city. We know that the S. S. W. and W. winds pre- 
vail mostly at this time^ that they blow over a considers- 



145 



ble body of swamp lands ; in proportion to their strength 
and continuance, therefore, must be the degree of virulence 
of the disease ; attention to this subject, will enable us to 
judge correctly on the prospects of health in our low coun- 
try.* 

Forty-four years elapsed, (from 1748) before Charleston 
was visited with an epidemic disease, though there were a 
few sporadic cases of it. In 1792 a new sera of the yel- 
low fever commenced. It raged in Charleston in that 
year, and 17f.4, 95, ^6, 97, hO, ISOO, 1,2, 4, and lh07. 
The number of deaths in the five worst of these years aver- 
aged only 166, in a population of :^0,000 souls. It ap- 
peared slightly in the years 1803 and 1805 ; in both years 
its victims did not exceed 59. In the years 1793, 98, 
1806 and 1808, the disease is not mentioned at all, except 
a few cases in 1806 under particular circumstances. Since 
1808 this fever has abated considerably ; a very few cases 
ever occurring in the year, until iS24, when 236 deaths 
took place by this disease, out of a population exceeding 
30,000. 

The visitation of this epidemic, extends from July to 
November, but is most ripe in August and September.* 

* The following table is given by Dr. Shecut, and proves the truth 
of this important part of our subject. 

Seasons. Winds favorable to liealtti. Winds unfavorable to health, 

Spring, N. N. VV. W. S-W. N. E. E. S. E. S. 

Sum. and Aut. N. E. E. S. E. S. S. W. W. W. 1 pt. N. 

Winter. N, N. W. W. S. W. E. N . E. E. S. E. 

* The detailed particulars of the yellow fever jn Charleston in the 
year 1802, may serve as a sample of it in other seasons. The vi^hole 
number of deaths from that disease in that year was 96. Of these, 
two took place in August, sixty-four in September, and thirty in Oc- 
tober. In the whole number there was not a single native of Charles- 
ton, though iive of them were born in South, and one in North Car- 
olina ; twenty-one were born in England, twenty in the northern 
states, nineteen in Ireland, eight in Germany, seven in Scotland, five 
in France, one in Spain, one in Prussia, and one in Madeira. The 
birth-place of the remaining seven could not be ascertained. There 

s 



146 

A real abatement of the yellow fever is believed to have 
taken place, and we are led to anticipate its total eradica- 
tion when Charleston shall have attained that siate of im- 
provement of which it is susceptible, and obtains an abun- 
dant supply of wholesome water. This is one of ihe prin- 
cipal sources of health as well as comfort in such a chmate 
as ours, and no t xpense should be spared to accomplish so 
desirable an object. Several attempts have been made 
within the city by boring and naking wells to this end, 
but all have failed ; a different result could not have been 
reasonably expected, when we reflect upon the geological 
structure of this section of the state, made up of the alluvion 
of the upper country, and the washings of tlie sau'is of 
the ocean, depending for its waters only on rains ; having 
no permanent fountains. 

If the citizens of Charleston desire to secure to them- 
selves an abundant supply of good vvater, they must look 
for it from a distance : no springs in the vicinity of th? ci- 
ty are sufficient to afford such a supply ; for it ought to be 
remarked, that it is not for drinking simply that the citizens 
of Charleston require a supply of waterj but also to an- 
swer ail demands for culinary purposes, baths, fountains, 
washing and cooling the streets, &c. &c. ; and not less thau 
a small river would suffice to answer these extensive de- 
mands.* 

South Carolina is occasionally subject to those epidemic- 
was not a single black, and only one mulatto died of this fever in 
1802; but they were not equally fortunate in other years. One of 
the subjects to whom it proved fatal had resided three years, partly 
on Sullivan's Island, and partly in Charleston. One had resided two 
years; two a year and a half; and eighteen, for eleven or twelve 
months in Charleston. The residence of the remainder varied from 
eight months to six days. 

* An act incorporating a company for supplying Charleston witii 
water has been passed by the last legislature, and it is presumed its 
citizens will not neglect their own interests by withholding their 
jjatronage to carry into effect the plan forgiving a full supplf of wa- 
ter to the city. 



147 

ai diseases common to other parts of the United States ; 
.such as scarlet fever, hooping cough, and influenza, which 
Mt, in 1807, gradually advancing from the northern stateSy 
reached Charleston early in September, and extended itself 
throughout the low country, sparing neither age nor sex ; 
inany fell victims to this novel disease. Its origin was in 
the air, which like the Simoom of the desert, prostrated all 
that inhaled it. In a few weeks it was supposed that 14, 
000 persons, or half the population of Charleston, had been 
afflicted with that disease ; of these, 45 died ; the largest 
number were blacks. 

The diseases of negroes in Carolina differ in several 
particulars from those of white people, and they may be 
said to be less affected by the climate, than the whites. 

The lower part of this section has its full proportion of 
diseases, of the description already mentioned, but is ex- 
empt in general from some which are common in other pla- 
ces ; such as consumptions, rheumatisms, gravel, and ne- 
phritic complaints. The rickety, scrofula, scurvy, and. 
diabetes, especially the first, are very common here. Hy- 
pochordeasis, and indeed the whole tribe of chronical dis- 
eases is less common in warm climates than in those which 
are cold. The difficulties and dangers of parturition are 
also less. The general character of most diseases in Caro- 
lina is acute ; their onset is violent, their progress .rapid, 
their termination speedy, and they require energetic rem- 
edies. 

Fevers are the proper endemics of Carolina, and occur 
oftener than any, probably than all other diseases. These 
?xe the effects of its warm moist climate, of its low grounds 
'.nd stagnant waters. In their mildest season they assume 
the type of intermittents ; in their next grade they are 
bilious remittents, and under particular circumstances in 
their highest grade, constitute yellow fever. 

Ar>/opinion generally prevails that South Carolina is un= 
healthy ; this is by no means correct, as may be proved 
by comparing the bills of mortality between this and other 



148 

states regarded more healthy. Taking; for instance our 
most populous towns, Charleston and Columbia, the first 
with a population uf forty thousand in abitants, averages 
during the year 400 persons, which is only as one in a hun- 
dred of the population 5 whereas, Philadeli hia and New- 
York, with a populavion of 120 thousand, report annually 
on an average about 1500 deaths, which gives 5i in 4fi0 of 
their inhabitants. 

Columbia with a population of 4000, averages during the 
year forty deaths, which is as one to a 100. 

The first Medical Society in South Carolina was formed 
in 1789, and incorporated in 1794, 

In 1820 a Medical Society was formed at Columbia. 
Both of these institutions take cognizance by law of all 
practitioners of medicine in the state. It being required 
of such to be examined by one or the other of these socie- 
ties, and from them receive a license to practice in the 
state. 

In 1S23 a Medical College was instituted in Charleston, 
which has met with the greatest success and encourage- 
ment. In the first year of its operation, fifty -one students 
attended the course ; during the last year ttiere were nine- 
ty students, and since the establishment was formed, thirty- 
three have graduated. The lectures generally continue 
four months. 

For eighty or ninety years after the first settlement of 
South Carolina, the practice of Physic was almost entirely 
in the hands of Europeans ; among these were several able 
physicians, who possessed an accurate knowledge of the 
diseases of the country. About the year 1760, a few 
of the 5'ouths turning their attention to the study of the 
healing art, went to Edinburgh, and came home invested 
with the merited degree of M. D. They were well re- 
ceived by their countrymen, and encouraged. 

William Bull was the first native of South Carolina who 
obtained a degree of medicine. 

Dr. John Moultrie, the first Carolinian who received 



149 

ihe degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of 
Edinburgh. Dr Lionel Chalmers was the first who made 
and recorded observations on the weather, from 1750 to 
1760. He published several works of merit. 

Dr. Garden was a truly scientific physician, and an ex- 
cellent botanist ; he wrote in 1764. In compliment to 
him the great Linnaeus gave the name of Gardenea, to one 
of the most beautiful flowering shrubs in the world. 

South Carolina has nearly her share of native physicians. 
From the valuable medical institution now established in 
Charleston, there is a prospect that every part of the 
southern states will be furnished with practitioners from it, 
who must be better qualified to practice than our northern 
physicians can be, owing to their superior opportunities of 
becoming acquainted with the treatment of the diseases of 
the climate. 

There are some eminent surgeons in this state. The 
unfortunate requiring aid in diseases, either of the eyes, 
limbs, or parturition, are not now under the necessity of 
seeking foreign operators, for what can be done for them 
in London, Philadelphia, or Paris, may now also be done 
in Charleston, Columbia, and some other parts of the state. 

SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, &c. 

The soil of South Carolina may be divided into seven 
qualities. 

1st. Tide swamp ; 2d, inland swamp ; 3d, high river 
swamp, (commonly called 3d low ground ;) 4th, salt 
marsh ; 5th, salt high land ; 6th, oak and hickory high 
lands ; and 7th, pine barren. 

The first four, and fifth, are peculiar to the lower part of 
the state ; the last, to the upper. The tide and inland 
swamp lands are devoted to the culture of rice ; on the 
salt highlands, (sea or tide land,) the first quality long sta- 
ple or black seed cotton is raised ; the oak and hickory high 
lands, as high as the 35th deg. of^north latitude, are planted 



150 

mostly with the green seed or short staple cotton ; this be- 
ing the most productive article for market. 

Although cotton and rice are the only two products 
grown for exportation in this state, the soil and climate al- 
low every article raised in the northern states, to be pro- 
duced in great abundance, and the richer products of the 
finest portions of the eastern world. Plantations of olives 
have already succeeded in this state, (from which we vr>ay 
conclude that it depends upon ourselves to multiply the 
olive tree.* 

*The olive is of all fruits that one whose uses are most numerous 
and salutary. This tree (over an immense range of the eastern con- 
tinent) has been from the earhest times considered like the Cereal 
Gramina, indispensably necessary to human society. Yet this bene- 
faction of heaven has been in great part denied to America, from 
the carelessness of some, and the national avidity of others, amongst 
the different people who have planted colonies on this continent. 

It is useless to give an eulogium on this precious tree ; " of all 
trees this is the first," says Columella. No oil can be compared to 
that drawn from its fruit ; the fragments of the seeds fatten poultry, 
its branches nourish cattle, and its wood is an excellent fuel. This 
tree is rapidly multiplied by the sprouts that arise from its roots ; but 
it cannot bear severe frost. 

The olive tree is of a moderate size, g'enerally straight and erect. 
The bark is smooth when young, furrowed and scaly when old. The 
Aower buds show themselves early, often in April, never later than 
May, and bloom in the end of May or June, according to the par- 
ticular climate. The species commonly cultivated, differ amongst 
themselves in their particular flowering seasons. TJie flower rises 
from the bottom of the leaf disposed in branches upon a common 
peduncle or footstalk. The choice of soil is generally very indiffer- 
ent respecting this tree ; it is seen flourishing in rocky, stony and 
volcanious soil. It is on the latter variety of land that the soil is tlie 
best. It vegetates only vigorously on strong alluvial land, though 
the base is argillaceous. 

Ancient writers have contended that the olive can exist more than 
thirty leagues from the sea. This assertion may be true relative to 
France, but may be considered unfounded relative to all other coun- 
tries, where the tree in every other respect, is o und in places suita- 
ble to its growth 

The existence of the olive then depends not upon its relative dis- 



151 

If the culiiire of these trees was well understood by the ' 
inbabita' ts of South Carolina, and properly pursued j it 
might become a valuable branch of trade to them ; for 
there is no reason to doubt of their succeeding, the sum- 
mers being here hot enough to bring the fruit to its utmost 
perfection. 

The olive is of infinitely more real value than the vinCy 
and deserves more attention than any vegetable, (the cereal 
gramina and sugar cane excepted,) This very precious 
tree will no doubt become one of the greatest objects of 
our planters, in those parts of the United States which lie 
south of 35° N. latitude. The subject is, however, too 
extensive to permit its insertion in this place. The olive 
tree can, we have every reason to b dieve, be intro- 
duced into almost the entire range of the United States^ 
included bet:ween the 29tn and 30th deg. of N. latitude^ 
from the Atlantic ocean to the Chippewa mountains. 

THE VINE. 

There can be no question but that the vine may be in- 
troduced with success in this state. It will flourish fur- 
ther north than the orange tree. 

tance from the sea, but in the sheltered position in which it is 
placed. Every one may have seen in the king's garden at Paris, the 
olive growing in the open air, but it was there placed on the soutl* 
side of a close wall, and otherwise in the warmest part of the 
garden. 

There are yet seen between Toulon and Nice, beautiful ohve trees 
that escaped the dreadful winter of 1709. 

Why the olive succeeds better in rocky, stony or sandy land, than 
in argillaceous hard soil, is because the rocks, stone and sand accu- 
mulate more heat, and preserve it longer than does argillacious or 
chalky land, and more refined, than from a more humid soil. For 
the same reason aromatic herbs have a more rich perfume in rocky 
or sandy, than in low rich soil. It is the same with vines. When- 
cv^ trees imbibe a too abundant sap, their fruits are defective in 
quality ; you here see the entire effect of the grain of the earth upon 
the quality of the fruits. It is the same with the olive as with an- 
other fruits, and even all ligumens. 



152 

There are two situations in the southern parts of the U. 
States where the native g;rape-vines produce excellent fruit; 
oneis the dry sides of pine-ridges; the other,the sandy banks 
of streams. In what may be called a deep vegetable loam, 
collected as alluvion or otherwise ; if silicioiis sand is ab- 
sent, the grape-vine is absent also, in most cases. Chap- 
tal, in the general statistics of France, remarks, that the 
fine wines called the Hermitage, are produced in a granitic 
sand. 

One well established fact is of more value than a thou- 
sand theories. 

There is a general principle which all authors wh© 
have written upon the subject of the vine, seem to consid- 
er incontestable, namely, to produce good wine, the soil 
upon which the vines grow, must be sandy. 

If ever extensive vineyards are established in South 
Carolina, it will be upon the dry sandy slopes of its mid- 
dle country. The position, exposure, and description of 
this soil correspond almost exactly with the places, where, 
according to French authors, the finest vineyards are sit- 
uated. 

COTTON. 

The time of planting cotton varies with the particular 
climate or latitude. On or near the sea coast it is planted 
the last of March or the first of April ; in the mid- 
dle country all in April ; and in the upper country as late 
as the first of May. The cotton in the first stages of its 
growth, is a remarkable plant, the slightest frost destroys 
it, and even the cold rams sensibly check its growth. It 
is planted either in drills or squares, the former is consid- 
ered the most productive mode. 

The quantity of cotton, that can be made upon, and 
collected from an acre, differs greatly. Below 30° N. lat- 
itude, IjOOOlbs. is considered about a medium. The re- 
lative weight of seed and down, is as 1 to 4, therefore 
250lbs. of clean cotton would be the medium produce of 
an acre. 



153 



A kboui'er wijl cultivate with ease more thin twice a? 
much cotton as he can collect. The ordinary; a oiii' of 
cotton picked for a day's labourj is between 50 and 6iJibs. 
(200lbs. have been gathered by one person in a day,) a.ul 
children have collected in baskets mure cotton than they 
were able to carry to the place of deposit. It may indeed 
be justly considered as one of the excellencies of the cul- 
ture of cotton, that in its collection no maaual labour is 
lost. Neither age nor childhood, if in healti;, is prevent- 
ed from giving its aid in this innocent and useful pursuit 
Children from eight years old can be employed to advan- 
tage. 

The gathering season begins in this state about the first 
of September, and continues in an ordinary season between 
3 and 4 months; in which time the quaniity collected by- 
each hand will average 450()lbs. 

The quantity of oil that cotton seed will yield, has been 
estimated at one gallon to 100 pounds of seed, which is a 
very low estimate. 

One fourih of the amount of cotton is allowed for the ex- 
pense of cleaning it from the seed, the purchase of the duck 
of cordage and the transportation to market. 

The green seed cotton is a distinct variety of the same 
genus of plants. Its flower, leaf, and stifk are evidently 
different from the black seed. The p.;d contains more sec- 
tions or divisions, and a i^xeater number of setds. The 
wool is shorter, and adiicres more tenaciously to the se-d. 
It requires a siiorter summer to bring it to maturity ; il is 
not so liable to be damaged by the inclemency of the sea- 
sons, and is more prolific It is better adapted to weak 
and exhausted land ; aad the wool improves ironi the com- 
bined influence of a milder, climate and the sea air. 

Tobacco and indigo could be as extensively cultivated 
js cotton, but neither of the former offers as alluring pros^ 
nects,to the planter as tl^e latter. Tobacco and inuigo 
';prc^ p^r-h been staples of Carolina, but have lOns^ been 



154 

abandonedj and their places supplied by rice and cottoD 
In all parts of the state cotton is the general staple. The 
best cotton is raised near the sea, and is called sea island 
cotton. The next in quality is that raised on the high ri- 
v^er swamp lands ; and the next on the high lands, j The 
richest or most valuable crops are made on the sea islands: 
instances have occurred of from 1800 to SOOOlbs. of cot- 
ton in the seed, being raised in one season from a single 
acre of land- 

Rice can be cultivated in any part of the state, where 
the soil will permit its growth. The summers are of suf- 
ficient length to enable this grain to ripen, though there is 
;?ome difference in the quality of that raised in the uj)per 
part of the state and that in the lower parts. Rice is at 
ihis time the second in value of the staples of the state. 
Its culture is more particularly confined to the tide swamp 
lands, where irrigation can be more easily performed than 
in any other part of the country. This staple could be 
multiplied to any assignable extent that the demands of 
domestic consumption or commerce should make necessa- 
ry. Vast tracts of inland swamps are scattered over the low 
country, and innumerable fresh water streams could be con- 
ilucted to irrigate them. 

For domestic use, maize, wheat, rye, barley, tobacco, po- 
tatoes, (the sweet and Irish,) indigo, hemp, flax, madder, 
and a variety of smaller articles are raised. Indian corn, 
wheat, barley, tobacco, hemp, flax, and indigo, were for- 
merly exported from this state, but they have all given place 
to cotton and rice. The upper parts of this state yield the 
finest of wheat, large heavy grains, producing the whitest 
and sweetest flour. Indian corn flourishes in great luxu- 
riance j the lowlands on the rivers yielding in good sea- 
sons from 50 to 75 bushels to the acre. This fact tends to 
show the superior value of the cotton plant when it super- 
sedes an article which can be raised to such advantage ss 
corn. The planter only cultivates enough of this grain to« 
answer his domestic purposes ; in some years he has actu- 



155 

ally to purchase it in Charleston, where it is imported from 
the northern states in lar2;e quantities. 

The other articles, products of the soil, sent to market ^' 
for exportation, are lumber, of various kinds, pitch, tar, 
canes, and moss. The capacity of the land and climate to 
yield other valuable productions than those already men- 
tioned, has been ascertained, though not carried to suffi- 
cient extent for exportation. In this class are hops, silk,* 
castor and other oils, and bhenc seed. This species of sesa- 
mum called oriental bhene is of rapid growth, and can be 
cultivated as extensively as cotton. It has long been known 
to produce an oil containing all the valuable qualities of olive 
oil, without the same liability of becoming rancid by age. 
The bhene is certainly one of the most productive vege- 
tables that was ever cultivated by man. 

Wine and sugar have been succes.sfully raised, also cas- 
sia, senna, rhubarb, figs, oranges, lemons, pomegranates, 
grapes, opium, &c. We see therefore that though the de- 
mand for cotton should cease, or the price fall, there are 
yet many other valuable objects of culture within the grasp 
of our citizens, which though not as profitable as cotton, 
with the same labour, yet will add more to their comfort 
and real enjoyment than they could ever derive from the 
proceeds of their cotton crops. 

There is not a finer grazing country in the world than 
South Carolina ; and were attention paid to the raising <f cat- 
tle, sheep, goats, hogs, horses, mules, &c., this state might 
supply itself as well as all the West India islands, &c. with 
these useful animals ; but every other object gives place 
to cotton. Immense numbers of cattle, hogs, horses, and 
mules are driven from the western country annually into 
this state, and sold to advantage. 

The agriculture of South Carolina, though flourishing, is 
far short of perfection. The art of manu ing is little un- 
dersti^od, and less practised. The bulk of the planters, 

* In 1759, South Carolina produced lO.OOOlbs. of raw silk. 



156 

yelyniff on the fertiiity of the soil, seldom plant any land 
but <.vha> ;s ffOoJ, <>nd change ihe same when it be^'ins to 
fail for that wljch iS (cesh, giving thnmseives little trou- 
ble to keep t'leir fielus in heart. \ This system of cuiiiva- 
tion is highh to be deplored and deprecated, as it tends to 
rum 'he agriouhural iriterests of the country ^ w^e should 
husband cur natural resources, not waste and desiroy them ; 
V/e owe it to p^steriiy, to tliC stcsie, to curse 'ves. to im- 
prc'V^ (he soil, and nut to in.ipoverish it. Th-: ap;rir(Jtural 
s\ st(;m can to -i cort-iin degiet' a^-; weii be prac^isovi in this 
as in;(ny other siote, as^d ^vilh more success, for trc coun= " 
try .!b'>urids in manurrs. arising iroin rich boitoms. oyst' r 
»!ioJl b ds, n arls, snlt n or.-^hes, aiid even from the pjoducts 
of the land itself, the cott ar seed, &c. 

System, inc.ustry and pers-verance, only are requisite to 
ensure permanency !o the piamiiig interests of his state. 

The country (though too slowly) is apijroxiai.iting to 
this desirable state of things: agriculiural societies are 
forming in different sections of the state : as early as 1785 
such a society was incorjjorated in Charleston. It is now 
doing well, and pr^imises great usefulness ; olTering and 
avia ding premiums to successful candidates in agrieuhural 
improvements^ by which means the capacities of the soil 
are developed, and confitience given to others to put the 
same into practice. 

In Pendletjn, Colunibia, Abbeville, Edgefield, Cheraw, 
and other places, societies for the promotion of agriculture 
are establishedj all which will have tneir iniluence, and by 
persevering, eventually induce our planters and iarjriers to 
attend to their best interests in the cultivation of the^ 
mit 

RIVERS AND, CANALS. 

The Savannah river divides this state from Georgia. It 

has a ship navigation eighteen miles froin the ocean to the 

city of Savannah, and a good steani-boat navigation 140 

iniles furlheij to Hamburg and Augusta. Above these pJa- 



157 

ces 100 miles, to Andersonville, the river has thirty-three 
miles of rapids, with a fail of about ei^hi feet in the mile, 
on a regular inclined plane ; the other sixty-seven miles is 
a smooth deep water. Boats descend from Andersonville 
with seventy bales of cotton, or ten tons. The Tugjaloo is 
navigable f)r similar boats twenty five miles, to Pulaski, 
and the Seneca twenty-six miles, or six miles above Pea- 
dieton court-house. At the junction of twelve mile crtekj 
the Seneca changf'S its name to Eeovvee, which is capable 
of being made navigable entirely within the mountains, by 
merely sluicing. 

The Tugaloo branch of the Savannah rises in the moun- 
tains, a short distance from the Hivassee, a navigable 
branch of the Tennessee river. By means of these streams, 
it is believed *he Snuthern Atlantic may be conuvcted with 
the western states, by a navigable canal. The gejseral 
government have ordered surveys to be made to ascertain 
its pacticability. 

Thft Santt'C river enters the ocean by two mouths. There- 
is a good steam-boat navigation on this stream, to the junc- 
tion of the Congaree, and Wateree, and up both these 
rivers to Camden awd Columbia (The Wateree chs'ig'-s its 
name to Catawba at the VVateree Creek.) This river ahov^e 
Camden, to the North Carolina Huh, is interrupted by 
four principal fall , around v/hich cai als have been cut, 
except at Rocky Mount, where the work is now going on. 
The first fall is at the Wateree Canal, (which is five miles 
iong, of fifty-two feet, and having six locks ; the second is 
at Rocky Mount, v.-here there is a fall of 121 feet, requir- 
ing thirteen h.cks. The canal here is cut the greatest part 
of the distance. The third fall is at the Catawba canal, 
where there is a fall of fifty-sis feet in three miles. The 
canal and seven locks here are finished. The fourth 
fall is at Landsford, where a canal two miles long with 
fiye locks completes the navigation. Above this the river 
lias rapids, but the small boat navigation can be exiended 
with care, within the Alleghany mountains. The Conga-. 



m 



158 

rpe is formed by the confluence of the Broad and Saluda 
rivers, where there is a fall of thirty-four feet, which is 
overcome by a canal three miles long, and five locks. On 
the Broad river the navigation for small boats extends to 
King's creek, with the aid of Lockart's canal, which over- 
comes a fall of fifty-one feet by seven locks in two miles. 
Above King's creek there are several rapids and extensive 
falls, locks would be requisite to make a good navigation 
here, and when these are once passed, the navigation to the 
foot of the mountains is only obstructed by a few rapids. 
Green river, a main branch of Broad river, extends to a 
point in the Blue ridge, (properly the Alleghany,) where 
this mountain is very low and narrow ; on the opposite 
side of the mountain rises the French Broad, a large branch 
of the Tennessee. It is confidently presumed that the 
Atlantic and western waters may be united here by a nav- 
igable canal with great comparative ease. 

The Saluda river is navigable 120 miles above Colum- 
bia. There are three canals on it ;— 1st. The Saluda canal, 
two miles and a half long, with five locks, overcoming a 
fall of thirty-four feet. 2d. Drehr's canal, one mile long, 
and with four locks, overcoming a fall of twenty-one feet. 
3d. Lonck's canal, which has a single lock of six feet lift. 

The Pedee river rises in North Carolina, (where it is 
called the Yadkin,) and enters Winyaw bay above George- 
town, to Cheraw, above 120 miles from the ocean ; it has a 
good steam-boat navigation ; from Cheraw, to the North 
Carolina line, nine miles, there is a fall on a regular inclin- 
ed plane of eighteen feet, and above that line the rapids 
extend to the narrows, about seven miles by water, where 
the fall is very great. Above the narrows to the moun- 
tains, this river is represented as favorable for small boat 
navigation. It heads near New river, one of the main 
branches of the Great Kenhawa. 

The Little Pedee rises in trie sand hills in North Caroli- 
na, and is navigable from Lumbertown. 

The Black river is navigable to the line of Sumter dis 



159 

trict, about sixty milesTrom its entrance into Winyaw bay. 

Lynch's creek is navigable eighty miJes, and Black creek 
thirty miles from their junction with the Big Pedee. 

The Edisto discharges into the ocean by two mouths, 
called north and south Edisto inlets. It rises in the region 
of sand hills in two branches, which unite below Orange- 
burg ; both branches and the main river are navigabloj 
having no shoals. It has been contemplated to unite this 
tiver with the Ashley, by a canal fourteen miles long, ex- 
tending from near Gv\ eham's ferry to Dorchester. The Edis- 
to will form the feeder ; the ridge between the two streams 
is only thirteen feet high, and less than half a mile through. 
This canal will save eighty miles of difficult, and in some 
places dangerous navigation, between the upper Edisto and 
Charleston. 

The Combahee has a schooner navigation to Saltcatcher 
bridge, and the main Saltcatcher is navigable for boats ten 
miles higher. It may be made navigable to Barn vv ell 
court-house by merely removing logs which now ob- 
struct it. 

The Waccamaw river rises in Waccamaw lake, near 
the Cape Fear river. From this lake it is navigable for 
boats to Conuayborough, and from that place to Winyaw 
bay, it is navigable for schooners. From Winyaw bay to 
Santee river, the Winyaw canal, six miles long, has beea 
partly executed, and from the Santee to the head of Owen- 
daw, there is a good schooner navigation. From the head 
of Owendaw to schooner navigation on the Wando, the 
distance is about eight miles, a canal here would require 
only eight feet depth of digging to be fed with tide water. 

Wando river enters Charleston harbor. From Charles- 
ton to Savannah, there is a steam boat navigation between 
the islands and the main, with the exception of about half 
a mile between the Broad and Savannah rivers, where a ca- 
nal is now cutting. Hence it will be seen, that with four- 
teen miles of canaiinsc, a good steam-boat navigation, en- 
tirely inland and parallel to the coast, may be effected from. 



160 

the North Carolina ^o the Georgia lines. It ig siipposed 
tbat (ivei'.cks will he all that are siecf-ss'try , Tiii^. w^rk 
hss been esiimatC'l n! iess than $ 50,000, .It vvnuh! ap- 
pear to (all vvithm the system of internal improvement, 
contem()l;itecl by thegnieral 2;over;int( nt. 

The Ash poo has a schooner navigation to the Ashepoo 
ferry. 

The Ashley river enters Charleston harbor on the south- 
west of the city, and is navigable for schooners to Dorches- 
ter, 20 miles. 

The Coitper river, is a goodjo^jn^^l^ stream to the en- 
trance of Biggin creek, 34,du]es by land from Charleston. 
From this point to, the Santee river, the Santee canal, 22 
nii!esj£mg^-h"as been constrncted, passing a summit 69 feet 
above tile tide waters in Cooper river, and thirty-four feet 
above the Santee. There are on this canal thirteen locks ; 
a great part of the produce frcm the upper Santee, Conga- 
ree, Broad, Saluda, Wateree, and Catawba rivers pass this 
canal in boats carrying 120 bales of cotton, or 25 tons of 
merchandise. 

COMMERCE. 

This is of noble origin. The first merchants in South 
Carolina were the lords proprietors of the province. The 
articles exported were, in the first instance, staves and lum- 
ber to the West Indies, (from which were received in re- 
turn, rum and sugar ;) furs and peltry to Great Britain^ 
(and imported from thence clothing, provisions, plantation 
tools, and domestic animals.) This \v?.s the general course 
of commerce for the first thirty years after the settlement. 
It was not until the year 1730 that any thing of the amount 
of exports was known. Anderson states that, between 
that year and il29, 264,488lbs. of rice were shipped to 
England, and between 17 '0 and 1739, 4"i9,5-J5lbs. About 
this period the trade of the prqviice was considerable both 
hi inspurts and exports. The negroes t) en amounted to 
40,000. la 1747 indigo was added to these first articles 



161 

of exportation ; in 1782, tobacco ; in 1793, cotton. The 
aggr igate value of exports was in such a c xirse of progress- 
ive increase, that in .79-^, it atnouiited to 10,554,M3 dol- 
lars ; and in 1800 to 14,304,045 dollars. 

Com inerce received some little check during the Ravo» 
luti onary war, but even then a bnsk rrade was carric I on, 
especially the three years following the severe repulse j 
which the British Navv received at theatt^ick of fort Moul- 
trie, on Sul!i>a'i's island, which give undisturbed peace to 
South Carolina from June 1776 to May i779. When the 
British were in possession of Charleston, a considi Table trade 
was sTdl carried on, but by British merchants, who were 
permitted, after the war, to remain under the protection of 
the laws. The commerce of the cmntry was afterwards 
carried on, chiefly by these merchants, whose capital gave 
them gr^at advantas^es. 

The commerce of South Carolina was greater with Eng- 
land than with aay other foreign country. Most of her 
staple commodity, cotton, is shipped there ; if not directly, 
yet indirectly, thrbu2;h other pons ; and large quantities of 
her manufactured articles are received in return. 

A considerable trade is also kept up with the West Indies 
and France, some lit»le with Spain, Unit d Ne herlands, 
Russia, Germany, Madeira, and lately. South A nerica. 
But much )f the direct trade -vith Europe is taken from 
South Carolina by the citi :s of New York, Boston, and 
Philadeljjhia ; which, while it lessens the amount of our 
domestic exports, in the Custom House rerurn.s, goes to 
swell those of the States of New York, Massachusetts, and 
Pennsylvania. 

The productive powers of South Carolina are immense, 
exceeding those of any other siigle State in the Uni-n. 
We have seen aiready that as far back as 1799, the value jf 
her exports amounted to i0,554,b4i; doHars, and fhf suc- 
ceeding year tO 14,304,045 d llirs. Since thit period her 
agriculture and commerce have been in a progressive state 

IT 



162 

of improvement. All her efforts have been to add to her 
agricultural interests. Rivers have been opened, ca lals 
cut, and roads constructed to facilitate this object. The 
domestic products for exportation at this time, must co sid- 
erably exceed the amount exported twenty five years a^o. 
Though she has lost much of the trade in lumber, which 
she carried on with th*^ West India islands, the value of 
the domestic exports of South Carolina may without exag- 
gerstioo be estimated now at sixteen millions of dollars. 

We may judge of the vast trade carried on with the 
Northern Cities in the products of this State, from the fact^ 
that the amount of domestic exports directly shipped from 
Charleston to foreign ports, is now only 7,475,747 dollars, 
and the amount of duties collected only 73b, OiO dollars, 
whilst in lSi5 the revenue amounted tn 1,408,863 d liars ; 
and the exports in 1816, paying duties to near eleven mil- 
lions of dollars. The value of the domestic exports of New 
York, exclusive of its vast accesr^ions fr im ihe lak- s, can- 
not be put in competition with thcise of this state, provid- 
ed the products of S uth Carolina, taken there to be ship- 
ped to foreign ports, were deducted and added to the exports 
of this State, where they properly belong. 

The value of our direct imports from foi'eign ports for 
the last year amounted only to 2,030,916 dollars. The; 
residue, which may be estimated at five times this amount, 
demanded by the exigencies of the State, is all derived from 
the Northren Cities, particularly New York. 

South Carolina owns but little shipping ; the most of its 
produce being exported in vessels belonging to Notthern 
merchants. The domestic tonnage would scarcely f^xceed 
thirty thousand. The amount of tonnage which cleared for 
foreign ports from Charleston in the year 1824 was, in ves- 
sels of the United States, 

, _ , Tons 67,914 

Do. in Foreign vessels IS, -2 11 

Total S6,i25, 



163 

The amount of exports from 1st January to 30th June 
IS25, were of clumestic articles, $7,475,747 

Foreign do. 145,145 

Total ^'7,620,893 
The amount of domestic exports to the Northern States 
may be estimated at 8,400,000 

Total value of domestic exports, 16,020,893 

The value of the several articles exported to foreign 
ports in 1824 is as follows : 

Rice - - . - » ^1,114,297 

Cotton ------ 5,605.948 

Other domestic articles - - - 208,570 
Foreign - - do. - - - 215,016 

Total $7,143,831* 
The importance of South Carolina, in a commercial 
point of view to the Union, is of a character, which should 
command the particular consideration of the general gov- 
'ernment ; — yet it has not receiver! that attention which its 
natural position merits, and its political exigencies demand. 
Situated centrally between the Capes of Florida and Dela- 
ware, possessing two noble naval ports, an extensive and 
rich back country, capable of su!)plying the whole navy 
of the United States with stores ; a coast which may be 
approached with safety at all times, and a healthy seaboard. 
Yet with all these advantagi s,havi.ig not a sinjj;le naval de- 
pot, (even for the smallest vessels of war) located there, 
whilst millions are expended in fortifying the northern ci- 
ties, and in building navies. Surely South Carolina is 
wanting in the duty she owes herself, not to urge this sub- 
ject upon the attention of Congress ; and zealously pursu- 
ing her just claims upon the government for her portion 
of the benefits conferred up. )n her sister states, North and 
East. A million of dollars revenue (it may with truth be 






* The returns from the 1st October 1824 to the 31st December 
S25, gave the followmg aggregate amounts: 
Exports - - - gl2,309,377. | Imports - - 2,386,320 



J64 

said,) is annually collpcted in Charleston by the general 
g- vrnment ; <>U' of which less il'ai. fifty thousaiui dollars 
ar'' paid in salaries to its officers : ^9oO,0 are tnerefore 
annually drawn out of tiiis s:ale ; and laid out to the ad- 
vantajre of the Northern states, in accomDlisiiing objects 
co'-n: cted with the 2;reat interests of the Union, which 
could be equally as well effected in the place from -hence 
this vast sum is drawn. Why, it may be asked, is South 
Carolina Su blind to her own interest io a business uf -uch 
vital importance, when by a little exertion, and a proper 
representation of facts, she could procure redress ? A por- 
tion at least, if not the whole amount of revenue, collect- 
ed by the general government from the customs of this 
state, should be disbursed in our s: aporis. The result of 
such a correct course would not only be an increase of this 
revenue, by increasing the commercial in portance of 
Charleston, but it would afford a greater security of pro- 
perty located there.* 

* PRACTICAL FACILITIES OF CHARLESTON FOR NAVAL 
PURPOSES, 

The situation of this city, deprived as it has been so long, and con- 
tinues to be, of the expenditure within itself of any portion of the 
immense national revenue collected in it and transported elsewhere, 
has justly excited complaint among our citizens — has wounded the 
honest pride of our mechanics, and caused among all who study the 
public good, an anxiety to devise means of redressing the evil. 
South Carolina bears the same relation to the Union that Ireland 
does to Great Britain. The Government takes from us all they can 
get, and do not spend a cent among us. The very solidity of our 
bank currency is a misfortune. Because we have the honesty to pay 
our notes in specie, they are caught up with avidity in other states, to 
pay debts to the nation which returns, like a carrier, to rederoand 
the specie: so that the firm basis of our credit is a positive injury to 
our commercial facihties. 

In this state of things, having a right, [for whatever can be proved 
to be just, becomes thereby invested with right, in a government con- 
stituted for the good of the whole,] — having a right, we repeat, to 
whatever share of public patronage we may fairly deserve, more es- 
ftecially if it be foolishly lavished elsewhere, we shall proceed to ex- 



165 

To show the claims which this state has to peculiar at- 

plain the really practical benefits to which the port of Charleston 
may be made subservient for naval purposes, and about which no 
sensible men will differ. 

Charleston is much nearer Porto Rico and to three-fourths of the 
island of Cuba, [the piratical ground] than Key West, which is at 
present the rendezvous of the American flotilla. 

Key West, or as it is called by the Spaniards, " Cayo Huesso," is 
about 75 miles N. by E. from Havana, and in about latitude 24° 30', 
N. long. 82° W. Its contiguity to the north coast of Cuba, has giv- 
en it some advantages as a rendezvous for our vessels of war in the 
West Indies, as they can readily fit out an expedition, and arrive at 
any point between Cape Antonio and the Matanzas in a very short 
time afler information is given of any acts of piracy being committed 
along that section of the coast. 

But as Key West affords neither good water, nor refreshments of 
any kind, and is also unhealthy, it is not necessary, in any way, to 
our vessels cruising further to windward ; and to prove the inconve- 
nience of this place as a rendezvous for such as may be required 
about the island of Porto Rico, and the eastern part of Cuba, we 
will make a comparative statement between the advantages and faci- 
lities which that station affords, and those afforded to the vessels re- 
turning to some port on the southern coast, where supplies can be ob- 
tained at all times sufficient for the description of vessels which can, 
by their draft of water, enter the harbour. 

Vessels of small size are unable to carry provisions and water for 
a great length of time. The frequent necessity then of resupplying 
themselves with these articles, will oblige them to return to Key 
West often. It is not uncommon for vessels to be four or five weeks 
in beating to windward from the west end of Cuba to gain the east 
end, or Cape iVJaize, as it is called: and it would, therefore be attend- 
ed with great inconvenience, that after reaching the weathermost 
part of their cruising ground, say 700 miles from where they set out, 
they should be under the necessity, for want o! provisions, to aban- 
don the advantage gained by so much loss of time and perseverance;, 
and return to leeward again for new supplies. 

How much better that the vessel should have her time in going 
down before the wind lengthened, as it would afford her opportuni- 
ties of visiting every part of the coast or neighbouring islands at 
pleasiire. 

This may be done by the vessel, instead of commencing her cruise 
at Key West, (to leeward of every island in the West Indies,) cotk- 



m 

lention from the general government, llie following table 
is subjoined, exhibiting the neat amount of revenue from 

mencing it at Charleston, whence she can make either of the wind- 
ward passages into the West Indies at pleasure, and in much less 
time than from Key West, cving to the relative situation of the two 
places in point of the winds and currents which prevail so much in 
' favour of the latter, and which canEot escape the notice of any one 
who has navigated the two tracks. 

It is proper to remark that vessels beating to windward often strain 
their hulls and rigging very much. 

It is also a fact that they have not so good an opportunity of sur- 
prising and taking pirates,for they advance so gradual!y,that informa- 
tion of their approach is easily conveyed ahead either by telegraph of 
otherwise. 

A vessel bound on a cruize off the east end of Cuba, or to Porto 
Rico, must .sail either by way of Cape Antonio, and beat up the south 
side of Cuba, or through the old Bahama Straits, or by the Hole-in- 
the-Wall, through the Providence Channel, or else round the Mar- 
avilla Reef, north of the little Bahama Bank. 

By either of these routes she has to work directly to windward; 
and although the distance through the Bahama Straits seems short- 
est, yet it is the most dangerous and most tedious. 

The following statement is made from a reference to the chart, 
which shows the degrees of latitude and longitude which, in the sev- 
eral routes before stated, must be sailed before yc-u can reach the 
east end of Cuba, after leaving Key West, and also the degrees af- 
ter leaving Charleston, to gain one of the v/indward passages, say 
Mayaguana. 

Lat. Lon. 

From Key West to Cape Maize, by way of 
Cape Antonio, - - - - - - 4, 16, 13 50 

From do. by way of the Gulf, round Mara- 
villa Reef, passing norih as far as lat. 29 - 1 1 , 00, 8, 54 
Old Bahama Straits. 
[Note.] Frequent calms obhge your an- 
choring, as well as the danger of run- 
ning, in dark nights, among the numerous 
shoals and reefs ...... 4, 00, 3, 00 

From Charleston, S.C. to Mayaguana Isl- 
and, one of the passages into the West 
Indies, which enables you to bring either 



167 

the District of Charleston, from the 1st of January, 1791, to 
the 31st of December, 1825. 

the west end of St. Doming-o, or the east 

end of Cuba, as you may please, . - - 10,14, 5, 34, 
Thus it appears, that a vessel will have to sail but 10, 14, of lati- 
tude, and 5, 34, of longitude, to place herself in a favourable position 
to make any point of cruising ground about the eastern part of 
Cuba. 

Vessels returning from their cruise, touching at Havana or Ma. 
tanzas for convoy, and carrying them through the Gulf past the Ba- 
hamas, are again within two days sail of Charleston, vv/hen, if in want 
of provisions, they can leave the convoy, and put in for it, or stand 
again to the southeast, for the weather passages, to pursue their du- 
ties as before, as they will derive the benefit of the variable winds to 
enable them to get to the eastward again, after passing the Baha- 
mas. 

After a sea voyage men require fresh meats and vegetables, good 
water, &c. and some relaxation from the toils of the sea. Key 
West affords none of these. 

We hope the above considerations will have their due weight. 
They have not been submitted without the best reflection and the 
soundest authority. If they be true, as it is believed, they leave to 
the government a very obvious course, which is to substitute Charles- 
ton as a na,val rendezvous, in the place of Key West. 



168 



Table showing; the amount of Revenue collected from 
the '!:S rict of Chnrleston, by the 2;eneral government, fram 
the commencement of the government to the present year. 



Years. 

1791 

1792 

1793 

1794 

1795 

1796 

1797 

1798 

17'y9 

1800 

1801 

1802 

1803 

1S04 

1805 

1806 

1807 

1808 



Amount. 

^534,783 00 
35!, -257 7; 
354,660 59 
655,510 63 
70h,.'-04 S3 
52,443 97 
692,957 12 
238,622 Q3 
846,465 28 
81iJ,698 99 
1,119.6^8 29 
260,909 37 
639,656 n 
7o7,05S 33 
837,849 49 
665,0.^5 14 
728,382 56 
30 J, 685 90 



Years. Amount. 

1S09 ^378,778 63 

1810 556.5^ 9 66 

1811 334,869 32 

1812 429,. 79 93 

1813 _ 251,844 96 

1814 1^6,046 68 
1S15 1,408,863 4i 

1816 1,356,927 87 

1817 1,616,460 75 
1S18 1,245,980 87 

1819 734,758 o8 

1820 549,866 04 
1S21 511,852 .00 

1822 780,47* 21 

1823 735,000 00 

1824 741,038 00 

1825 701,003 00 

Total ^22,337,381 16 



By this it will be seen that South Carolina has paid in 
customs to the sjeneral government, in thirty-five years, 
upwards of twenty-two millions of dollars. 

Annexed is another table exhibiting a statement of the 
value of exports from the several states and territories, in 
18:6 and 1817, by which a comparison may be drawn of 
the relative commercial importance of this state with 
others. 

It will be recollected, that under the head of New-York, 
a large deduction is to be made, for the products of this 
state, and the western states, by the way of the Lakes, and 
New-Orleans, all which contribute to swell, the amount of 
the exports of that stale. 



169 



States and Territo- 
ries. 



From the 1st. of Oct. 1S15, 

to the 1 St of Seyt. 1 S t o. 



Domestic 
produce. 



foreign 
profiuce. 



Fromihe 1st. of Oct. 1816 
io the 3'Hh of Sept. 1817. 



iJomtsiic 
produce. 



Foreign 
produce. 



New Hampshire, 

Vermont, . 

Massachusetts, 

Rhode [shind, 

Connecticut, 

New-Vork, 

New-Jersey, 

Pennsylvania, 

Delaware. 

Maryland, 

Dis't. of Columbia, 

Virginia, 

North Carolina, 

South Carolina, 

Georgia, 

Ohio, 

Kentucky, 

Tennessee, 

Indiana Territory, 

Michigan do. 

Misrissippi. 

Ijouisiana. 

Value of eftcli species 
of produce in dols. 

Total value exported 
in dollars. 



119,488 
892,594 



2U,807 



5,008,974 


5,908,465 


418,996 


193,798 


587,007 


6,799 


14,168,291 


5,521,740 


9,746 




4,486,320 


2,709,917 


54,685 


1,532 


4,834,490 


2,504,277 


1,555,572 


125,239 


8,115,890 


96,970 


1,328,271 


464 


10,440,213 


403,196 


7,436.692 


75,237 


1,305 




57,290 




8,232 




5,251,833 


351,115 


64,781,896 


17,138,556 


j 81,92 


3,452 



170,599 

913,201 

5,908,416 

577,911 

574,290 

13,660,733 

5,849 

5,538,003 

38,771 

5,887,884 

1,689,102 

5,561,238 

955,211 

9, 944, .543 

8,530,831 

7,749 



64,228 

43,887 

8,241,254 



26,8'25 

6,019,581 

372,556 

29,849 

5,046,7001 

3,197,589 

6,08.'? 

3,406,046 

79,055 

60,204, 

1,369 

428,270 

259,883 



783,558 



68,313,500 19,358,069 



87.-671,569 



The city of Charleston is the commercial emporium of 
South Carolina, and is situated about siven miles from the 
ocean, on a point of land formed by the junction of the 
Cooper, and Asiiley rivers. The harbour is spacious and 
convenient, commLmicatin^ with the ocean bv three chan- 
nels. The ship, or south channel, has i 6 feet water at ebb tidej 
the middle or direct channel, has from l::^ to 14 feet vvaterj 
the north channel is very shallow. The harbour itself has 
a great depth of v^^ater, and being land-locked, is vv^ll shel- 
tered from storms In order to render it more secure in 
this respect, and to create both a permanent and deeper 
channel than now exists at the entrance of the harbour, it 
has been proposed to run out a sea wall and pier head, in a 
direction suitable to check the driving of the sand into the 
harbour and channel, and 'vh^ch shal! at the sanie time had, 
the current formed by the tides, and land waters descending 



170 

the rivers, m one direction, which thus continually opera- 
tinqjj v. ill have the effect of preserving the c),ahnel of a 
depth equal to tlie general depth of the waters on the 
coasi, which averag*^^ fiom twenty-four to thirty feet. The 
position of this channel being diiectly in front of the har- 
bour, will eiable vessels at almost all states of the wind, 
to enter the harbour, or proceed to sea. This middle chan- 
nel now carries from eighteen to twenty feet water at high 
tide, and under the improvement proposed, would soon ac- 
quire that of the coast. 

There is not a safer coast to enter upon, in any part of 
tlie world, than that adjoining the port of Charleston. The 
bed of the ocean here is an inclined plane, aenerally shal- 
lowing as you approach the bar, (stretching across the 
mouth of the harbour.) when it suddenly shallows (except 
where the channels are) to the depth of only a few feet. 
This gradual slioaling of the water, gives perfect safety in 
Hearing the coast at all times, provided the soundings are 
attended to. No vessel need ever be lost^oming on it, if 
common prudence is observed ; by sounding, the com- 
mander of the vessel can tell exactly how far he is off the 
bar, allowing one ioot in depth for every mile of distance. 

The geographical position of South Carolina, invites to 
it an extensive foreign trade. Were the natural advantages 
p' ssessed by its commercial emporium improved to their 
proper ex'ent, Charleston would certainly share largely 
with the cities of New-York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, 
in the foreign and domestic commerce of the Union ; and 
which, to say the least, would be equal to any of them, 
(except, perhaps. New- York.) It however wants perma- 
nv nt capital, to command all the advantages to which its 
situation entitles it. As soon as the European and north- 
ern capit.ilists can be assured, that Charleston is made 
as secure from tlie yellow fever as the northern cities, this 
waiituf capital would cease, and Charleston would become 
the great commercial emporium of the southern states, and 
i»ight command nearly all the trade of North Carolina, 



171 

South Carolinaj Georgia, and Florida. Charleston is approx- 
imatiiig; this degree of salubrity ; the yellow fever al- 
most as rarely visits it, as it does the northern cities ; and 
as it now appears only at long intervals, increasing in dis- 
tance every time, we are led to the conclusion, that, by 
strict attention to removing every local impurity, in and 
about the city, it will be equally free from the yellow fe- 
ver, and as healthy as either of the above citieis. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT. 

Nearly two centuries elapsed after the discovery of Ame.- 
rica, before any permanent settlement was made in South 
Carolina.* The first attempt we have any certain account 
of, was by some colonists from Virginia, in 1660 ; they 
landed on Port Royal Island, but probably apprehending 
trouble from the Spaniards, (who were located near them, 
and who claimed, sovereignty over all this country,) they 
soon abandoned '.he enterprise. Ten years after (1670) a 
few emigrants from England, under Col. William Layle, 
landed at the same place, and commenced a settlement ; 
but for some cause or other, they continued here only a 
few months, and then removed eastward!}, and perma- 
nently located themselves on the banks of Ashley river, 
above Wappo creek. Here on the first high land they 
laid the foundation of a town, which in honour of their 
king, they named Chatieston.t 

'*Itis said that the first European settlement ever made on the 
Nort;h American Continent was made in South Carolina ; the design 
is attributed to the celebrated Cohgni. The object waste secure 
religious freedom. During the persecutions which harrassed the Cal- 
vinists in the reign of Charles IX. of France Coligni conceived the 
project of establishing a retreat for his followers in America, should 
they/be driven by the Legitimates of the day from the confines of 
Europe. 

t This Southern tract of country, is said, to have been first digcov- 



172 

The first notice we have of the present name, Carolinai, 
IS in a grant, which Charles the first, king of Great Britain, 
made to Sir Robert Heath, inckiding a large extent of coun_ 
tr3^j to the South and West, hy the name of Carwlina.* 

*^ Upon the restoration of Charles the second, king of 
Great Britain, this country was granted by him, in the 
year lb6.S, to certain noble persons, with extraordinary 
privileges, as appears by the charttr of that king to Edward, 
Earl of Clarendon, George, Duke of Albemarle, William, 
Loru Craven, John, Lord Berkley, Amhony, Lord Ashley, 
Sir George Carteret, Sir William Berkely and Sir John Col- 
leton, who were thereby created true and absolute Lords, 
and Proprietors of Carolina. This charier was enlarged 
by one given two years afterwards ; and by them the pro- 
perty in the same was not only vested in the above pro- 
prietors ; but the name which this territory had forn)erly 
received, vv^as, with small alteration, confirmed. It was 
therein called and known by its present name Carolina, and 
was afterwards divided into South and North Carolina 5 
by which name South Carolina is now enrolled among the 
United States of America." Two years had scarcely 
elapsed, after this settlement near Wappo was made, before 
it was found expedient to remove to the opposite side of 
Ashley river. The admirable position of this last spot, for 
the purposes of commerce, decided the measure, and in 
1672j the foundation of the present city of Charleston was 
laid. In the same year, the town was fortified with two 

cred in 1497, by Sebastian Cabot, in the reign of Henry VII. of Eng- 
land. From the inattention of the Enghsh, the French and Span- 
iards claimed and made settlements under the name of Florida ; with 
the Enghsh it was first called Virginia. Hence many of our plants 
have Florida or Virginia annexed to their botanical names, as being 
indigenous to parts of that extensive country, which originally went 
lUnder those different appellations. 

* Dr. Melligan says that the French made a settlement at Charles- 
ton in the reign of Charles IX. under their admiral Coligni, who nam- 
ed the country La Carohne, in honour of that prince. 



173 

great guns. In 1677, it was called Oyster Point Town. 
In 16(^0, the seat of government b^ ina; removed «here, it 
received tlie name of New Chariestown, and two years af- 
ter, that of Chariestown. 

POPULATION. 

It was important to ihe safety and prosperity of the pro- 
vince, that the population should increase as rapidly as 
possible. To effect this, every inducement to emigration 
was held out — hberty of conscience was allowed to all by 
the charter, and it tended greatly to encourage emigration. 
At fhis period commenced a severe religious persecution 
in England, which contributed essentially to people the 
new countries. To this circumstance, v/as the province in- 
debted for the possession of those talents, and that in- 
flexible virtue, which distinguished its citizens during those 
perilous times. When men, to secure the rights of con- 
science, will exchange the endearments of home, and culti- 
vated society, for a strange land, and a wilderness, we can- 
not doubt the correctness of their principles. Happy was 
it for Carolina, that such was the character of its earliest 
settlers. 

In 1671, a small colony from Barbadoes came over, un- 
der the auspices of Sir John Ycamens, who had received a 
large grant of land from the Proprietors. (With this colo- 
ny, were introduced the first, and for a considerable time^ 
the only slaves in Carolina.) 

In 1764, the. colony received a valuable addition to its 
strength, from the Dutch settlement of Nova Belgia^ 
(now New-York.) They first settled on James' Island, 
where they founded a town, but finding their situation too 
contracted, they spread themselves over the country. 

In 167^, two small vessels arrived with several foreign 
protestants, who proposed to raise wine, oil, silk, and other 
procJ4:iclions of the south. 

The revocation of the edict of Nantz,in 16S5, contributed 
to send many valuable citizens to the province: they general- 



174 

ly, at first,estab]ished thpmselveson thelaanksof the Santee 
river Besides those wliO came tlirectl}' froni France, there 
was a considerable nu'nber who had emigrated to the 
nortii<-rn pr/vineeSj and vvho aftei-vvards repaired to this. 

In 1696, the Reverend Joseph Lord, from Dorchester, 
Massaohusetts, with his cnnc:ree;ation, arnvefi in the pro- 
vincf, and settled in a body near the head of naviganon of 
Asiiley river. 

In t712, a premium was offered of £14 currency, by 
law, for each healthy British servant, not acriminc'l 

Thcugh n ) consideraoie group of settiers are kno^vn to 
have emigrated, to S;}utK Carolina, b 'tween .6*:'6 and ;7:-!0, 
the province continued to adva;tce in pop laiion, fror! the 
arrival of many individuals. Imme<!ia!el> aftt r the royal 
purchase of the province in 1729, vig >ro'is m< asures were 
adopted for filling the country widi inhabitants. Bounnes 
were offered, fr.'e hmds assigiied, and otsicr inducem nts 
held out to ailure setilers. The do(>r was thrown open to 
Protestants of all nations. Besides the distressed subjects 
of Great Britain multitudes of the p .or and unfortunate of 
Germany, Switzerland, a>id Holland, closed with the off rs 
and emigrated, between the years 1730 and 1"50. Orange- 
burg, Con2;aree, and Wateree, received a large proportion 
of the Germans — Williamsburg w s the rendezvous for the 
Irish — the swiss took their stand on the banks of the Sa- 
vmnah river. Soon after the suppression of the rebellions 
of 1?! Sand 1745, in Scotland, many of the vanquished High- 
landers were transported 'to, ur voluntarily sought an asy- 
lum, in South Carolina. Number ..f Palatines arrived 
every year, until ttiC king of Prussia put a stop to it, by 
refusing them a passage thiouH,h his dominions. 

Until this time the settlements were confined to within 
eighty miles of the coast. The extinction of Indian cbiuis, 
bv a cession vf territory to \he kins:, embracing avast ex- 
tent of fine country, including the present districts of Edge- 
field, Abbeville, Laurens, Newbury, Union, Spartan: urg, 
"Sork, Chester, Fairfield and Richland, opened the way 



175 

to the settlement of the upper country. For the protec 
tion of the inhabitants, a line of forts was built from the 
mountains down to Savannah river below Augusta. 

The provirjce of Nova Scotia was first settled by the 
French, under the name of Acadia ; after it fell into the 
hands of the Enojlish, motives of policy some time after 
induced a very harsh measure in respect to these French 
to be put into execution, in consequence of which about 
fifteen hundred of them were sent to Charleston. 

, Emigrants from Ireland and Germany continued to come 
into the province, and many colonists belonging: to Virgi- 
nia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, obtained grants of land in 
the inierior of this state, and introduced the cultivation of 
wheat, hemp, flax, and tobacco. These settlements were, 
however, much exposed to Indian depredations, and suffer- 
ed from this cause until after the treaty of Paris, in 1763, 
which removed French influence from among the Indians. 
The cession of Florida, also, removed troublesome neigh- 
bours, and left the Indians so much in the power of the 
English, as to deter them from future hostilities. After 
this treaty, the population of the province rapidly increased. 

In April, 1 764, 5 or bOO poor Palatines arrived in Charles- 
ton, under royal protection, and some settled in a body, 
in one of the townships, laid out in that part of the pro- 
vince suited to their avocations, which consisted chiefly in 
the culture of the vine and silk. 

In this year also 212 settlers arrived from France ; they 
were made up of a number of persecuted Protestant fami- 
lies, under the guidance of the Rev. Mr. Gibert, a popular 
preacher They were received with great kindness and 
hospitality, and in the October following, vvere located on 
the banks of Long-Cane creek, (now in Abbeville district) 
which they named Bourdeaux, and New Rochelle, (after 
the capitals of the province from which most of them emi- 
grat)^d.) 

But no country furnished the province with as many 
•inhabitants as Ireland. Scarcely a ship sailed from any of 



176 

its ports, for Charleston, that was not crowded with menj 
women, and chiMren. The bounty allowed new settlers 
induced numbers of these people to resort to South Caro- 
lina. 

When the great conflict for Independence commenced, 
the population of South Carolina amounted to 40,000 souls. 
During its contit;uance little addition v^as made, either to 
its population or improvement But this was amply com- 
pensated by the multitudes from Europe and the more 
northern parts of America, which poured into the state 
shortly after the peace of il83. Pendleton and Green- 
ville districts, which were obtained by treaty, founded on 
conquests, from the Cherokee Indians, m 1777, filled so ra- 
pifily with inhabitants, that in the year i800, they alone 
contained upwards of 30,000 souls. 

Hithert< Carolina had been an asylum to those who fled 
from tyranny and persecution — to the exile — the weary 
and heavy laden — the wretched and unfortunate- — and to 
th'-se who were bowed down with poverty and oppression. 
The insecurity of life, liberty, and property in revolutiona- 
ry France, and the indiscriminate massacre of Frenchmen 
in St. Domingo, drove several hundreds in the las' years 
of tiie ISlh century to the shores of Carolina. They were 
kincily received, and such as were in want received a tem^ 
porary accommodation, at the expense of the public. Most 
of them fixed ih^ir resi ience in or near Charleston This 
was the last group of settlers the state received from for- 
eign countries. 



177 



The followins; table exhibits the progress of population 
in the state, from its first settlement in 1670, to 1820. 



Years. 


Authority. 


Whites. 


FreeBlks 


i. Slaves, 


Total, 


1670. 
1701. 


Estimated, 
Dr. Humphrey 


1 '^0 






150 

7,000 


1. kJ\J 

s, 








1724. 


Dr. Hewitt, 


14,000 


— 


18,000 


32,000 


1734. 





8,000 


— _ 


22,000 


30,000 


1739. 











40,000 


._ — _, 


1753. 


Provincial Cen, 


. 30,000 








_= 


1763. 


Dr. Milligan, 


35,000 


__- 


70,000 


i 05, 000 


1765. 


Dr. Hewitt, 


38,000 


. 


85,000 


123,000 


1790. 


U. S. Census, 


140,178 


1,801 


107,094 


249,073 


ISOO. 


Do. do. 


196,255 


3,IS5 


146,151 


345,591 


ISIO. 


Do. do. 


214,196 


4,554 


196,365 


413,515 


1820. 


Do. do. 


237,440 


6,826 


258,475 


502,741 



SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT, 

South Carolina is situated between 32° 4' 30" and 35° 
12' north latitude, and 1° 30' and 6° 54' west longitude, 
from the Capitol at Washington, or 7^° 25' and 83° 49' 
west longitude from Greenwich. 

The original boundaries of Carolina, (which included 
North Carolina also,) embraced a vast extent of territoryj 
reaching from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, and be- 
tween the parallels of 29° and 36° 30'. The grant which 
Charles the Second made to Edward, Earl of Clarendon, 
George, Duke of Albemarle, William Lord Craven, and 
others, constituted them absolute Lords and Proprietors 
of this immense territory ; with the reservation only of 
the dominion of the countiy to himself, and his successors. 
These extensive limits afterwards underwent many chan- 
ges, from the resuiiiptions of the royal charters, from trea- 
ties, (particularly those of 1763, und 1783,) irom royal in- 
structions to governors, boundary lines run, and setilements 
made by the authorized commissioners, state sessions to 




Consjress, conquests from, and treaties with Indians, &c% 
Thp present limits of South Carolina, are included within 
the following lines. 

Beginning at a cedar stake, (marked with nine notches,) 
on the shore of the Atlantic ocean, (Goat's Island,) about 
one mile and a quarter east of the mouth of Little river, 
and running thence north 47° SO' west, yi miles 17 chains, 
(along the line run in 1764,) to a light wood post ; (the 
northeast corner of the state ;) from thence south 89° 5' 
west, 65 miles 40 chains, to the end of the line run in 
1764; ihence north 2° 15' east, 7 miles 59 chains, to a 
marked sweet-gum, designating the southeast corner of the 
Catawba Indian boundary line, (being the intersection of 
the five mile creek.) Thence north 4)° we.st, 13 miles 8 
chains, to a m;irked hickory, about one third of a mile be- 
yond Thomas P. Smith's house ; thence south 52° west, 7 
miles to the Catawba river, (near the mouth of White's 
branch ;) thence north 3° west, up the Catawba river, about 
1 miles, to where it intersects the line run in 1772, (which 
comme^ices at the mouth of the Little Catawba river,) 
thence along the said line, due v/est 64 miles 40 chains, to 
a stone near the Trjon mountain, marked S. C. which de~ 
signates she termination of the line run in 1772. Here 
the commissioners appointed by the Legislatures of North 
and Si.uth Carolina, to establish ihe north boundary line 
between the two states, set up a stone in 1S13, marked N. 
C. and S. C September 15th, 181 < ; and thence continued 
the line due west 4 miles 22i chains;, to a rock marked S. 
C. and N. C. ; thence south 25° west, 29^ chains, to a 
chcsnut on the top of the ridge, dividing tlie v/aters of the 
nonh fork of Pacolet river, from the waters of the n.;rih 
fork of Saluda river ; thence aiong the said iidge, (keeping 
on the summit of t e same all the way,) until it iiitersects 
the Cherokee Indian boundarj^ line, (in a straight line near 
So miles, and following ihe rii ge 50 milt s,) where a stone 
is set up and marked, S. C. and N. C. 1813 ; thencesouth 
65° 15' west, IS miles 30 chains, to the intersection of the 



179 

35^ north latitude, which is marked on a rock, in the east 
branch of Chatooga river, with latitude 35° A. D. IS 1 3, 
(all which aforesaid lines, divide this state from North 
Carolina,) thence down the Chatooga river to its junction 
with the Tugaloo, where it is called the Toruro river, (gen- 
eral course southwest 29°, distance in a straight line 25 
miles,) thence down the Tugaloo and Savannah rivers, to 
the intersection of the same with the Atlantic ocean ; (gen- 
eral course southeast 40°, distance, in a straight line, 226 
miles,) all which divide this state from Georgia ; thence 
along the sea-coast, including all the islands adjacent, to the 
place of heginning, (general course northeast 54° 30', iS7 
miles in a straight line.) 

From the closest computation made, South Carolina in- 
cludes 30,2i3 square miles, or 19,435,680 acres, averaging 
189 miles long, and 160 broad. 

GOVERNMENT. 

The first kind of government established in South Caro- 
Hna was the Proprietary ; that is, of the Lords Proprie- 
tors, to whom this country was granted ; who were au- 
thorized by the king, to enact, with the assent of the Free- 
men of the colony, any laws they should judge necessary ; 
to establish courts of jurisdiction, to appoint judges, ma^jis- 
trates, and officers ; to erect forts, castles, cities, and 
towns: to make war, and in case of necessity, to exercise 
martial law ; to build harbours, make ports, and enjoy cus- 
toms and subsidies, imposed with the consent of the free- 
men, on goods loaded and unloaded. The king also grant- 
ed to the Proprietors, authority to allow indulgencies and 
dispensations, in religious affairs ; so that no person to 
whom such liberty should be granted^ was to be molested 
for any difference of speculative opinion, with respect to 
religion, provided he did not disturb the peace of the com- 
mur^ty. 

Anterior to the settlement of Carolina, the Proprietors 
employed the celebrated John Locke, to draft fundamenta! 



180 

Gonstitutions for that province. These contemplated three 
orders of mobility, and appointed a court to take caie of ail 
ceremonies, and minor objects. They were, however, illy 
calculated to suit the genius of the people of Carolina, and 
were never accepted by them ; they still adhered to the 
spirit of the charter. After twenty-eight years, these fun- 
damental constitutions were set aside by the Proprietors. 

The first contest between the Proprietors and the set- 
tlers, was respecting advances for the encouragement of 
the latter. The Proprietors had expended upwards of 
£18,000 in this manner, and now they wished the settlers 
to depend on their own exertions. To the demand for fur- 
ther supplies of cattle, the Proprietors replied, as the rea- 
son for refusal, '' that they wished to encourage planters, 
but not graziers." It is from this epoch, that we may 
date the prosperity of Carolina ; because she was then 
taught a lesson, which is of the gre atest importance for 
every individual, and every slate, to know, " that they 
must depend altogether upon their owm exertions.'' 

In the short space of four years, there were no less than 
five governors ; Joseph Morton, Joseph West, Richard 
Kerle, Robert Quarry, and James Colleton, who adminis- 
tered from 1682 to 1686. The last, who was a Landgrave, 
and brother to one of the Proprietors, determined to ex- 
ert his authority, in compelling the people to pay up their 
arrears of quit-rents, which, though very trifling, were 
burdensome, as not one acre out of a thousand for which 
quit-rents were demanded, had hitherto yielded any profit. 
For this purpose, Governor Colleton wrote to the Proprie- 
tors, requesting them to appoint such deputies, as he knew 
to be most favorably disposed towards their government, 
and would most readily assist him in the execution of his 
office. Hence the interests of the Proprietors, and those 
of the people, were placed in 0[)pnsite scales. The more 
rigorously the Governor exerted his authority, the more 
turbulent and riotous the people became ; and thus this 
little community was turned into a scene of confusion. In 



theyear 1690, ata meeting of the representatives, a bill was 
brought in and passed, "'■ disqualifving Landgrave James 
Ci-Dtton, for holding an office, or exercising any authori'y,, 
civil or military, within the province." Sj exasperated 
were they against him, that nothi g less than banishment 
would appease them, and they therefore gave him notice to 
depart, within a limited time, from the colony ; \vhich 
eventually he was obliged to do. 

The continuance of the proprietary government was 
only forty nine years ; it was found too inefficient and un- 
stable, and was, consequently, little respected. 

In 1719 (during the administration of Robert Johnston] 
a revolution, in favour of a R( gal system of g^veronsent, 
took place. Among the various causes which contributed ^o 
this end, one in particular, had a decided influence ; name- 
ly, the war in 1715, between the provincf and the Yamassee 
Indians. The people saw from the rrsult of this war, that 
in difficulties of this nature, the government under which 
they lived, was unable to protect them. They were 
therefore very unanimous in the proposed application to 
the Crown, for royal protection. In this they met with suc- 
cess. The same year they petitioned Parliament, a bill 
was brought into the House of Commons, "for the better 
regulation of the Charter and Proprietary governments, in 
America :" the chief design of this bill was to reduce all 
charter and proprietry gwenineus into regsl ones. 
Men conversant with the history of past ages, particular! 3^ 
that of the rise and progress of different states, had long- 
foreseen the rapid increase of the American colonies ; and 
wisely judged it would be the interest of the kingdom to 
purchase them for the Crown as soon as possible. 

One of the ostensible grounds, on which the Proprietors 
had obtained their charter, was, the prosp^^ct of their prop- 
agating the gospel amoig the Indians. Their total neglect 
of thts duty, contrasted with the active policy of the Span- 
iards at St. Augustine, vv'as considered by the inhabitants 



iS2 

■as a procuring cause of all their sufterings from the Yamas- 
see war. 

It was not till 1729 that the Proprietors relinquished their 
rights and interests in the government and soil of the jjro- 
vince, to the king. They aai;reed at last, to take £22, 500 
sterlino; fqr seven eighths of their rights and arrears of quit- 
rents, due from the colonists to the proprietors. — -The re- 
inaiiiing eighth share of the province, and of the arrears of 
quit-rents, were reserved out of the pu- chase, by a clause 
in the act of parliament, for Juhn Lord Carteret. At the 
same time the province was divided into North and South 
Carolina. • 

The kind of government, conferred on Carolina, when, 
it became a royal province, vvas formed on the model of the 
British Constitution. It consisted of a Governor, a Coun- 
cil, and an Assembly. To them the power of making laws 
was committed. The king appointed the Governor and 
Council, the Assembly was eh cted by the people. 

General Francis Nicholson, early in 1721 took charge of 
the government, under a royal commission. He vvas s;en- 
erous, bold, and steady : the people received him j^y fully; 
the change soon appeared to be for the bt tter. Under his 
adminis'ration the Indian affairs of the province were regu- 
lated in a friendly and equitable manner ; much to its peace 
and prosperity. He highly promoted the interests (if liser- 
ature and religion, and had the address to unite all parties. 

About the beginning of the year 1731, Robert Johnston 
(who had been proprietary governor) arrived with a com- 
mission, investing him with a similar office, in behalf of the 
crown. This new governor from his knowledge of the pro- 
vince was well qualified for the appointment; he had a 
council to assist him, composed of the most, influential inhab- 
itants. Thomas Broughton was appointed Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor, and Robert Wright Chief Justice. The other mem- 
bersof the council were, William Bull, James Kinlock, Alex- 
ander Skene, John Fenwick, Arthur Middleton, Joseph 



183 

Wraa^g, Francis Yonge^ John Hamerton, and Thomas 
Wraa;g. 

Governor Johnston had acted with great spirit, in oppos- 
ing the Carolinians in 1719, when they threw ofi'the yoke 
of the proprietary government ; but they had liberality 
enough to consider him as liaving acted, solely, from a 
se\)se of duty and honour. He was not only well received 
in his new office, bnt ti e assembly honoured him, after his 
death, bv erecting a handsome monument to his memory in 
St. Philip's church, highly applauding his administration, 
which may still be seen there. 
' Between the termination of the proprietary government 
in 1729, and the American revolution, the royal provinces 
experienced great prosperity. No colony was ever better 
governed. The 1 st and 2d Georges were nursing fathers 
to the province. They performed towards it the full dut}'" 
of kings, and their paternal care was rewarded with the 
ni'st ardent love and affection of their subjects in Carolina, 
The advantages were reciprocal ; the colonists enjoyed the 
protection of Great Britain, and in return, she had a mono- 
poly of their trade. The mother country derived great 
benefit from this intercourse, and the colony, under her 
protecting care, became great and happy. 

Satisfied with her political condition, Carolina did not 
covet independence ; it was forced upon her as the only 
means of extrication from the grasp of tyranny, exerted 
to enforce novel claims of the mother country, sub- 
versive of liberty and happiness. These claims were 
bmnght forward, soon after the peace of Paris, and dissi- 
pated all the hopes which were formerly indulged, that 
Great Britain would maintain a pre-eminent rank in Ameri- 
ca. At this inauspicious period, the scheme of a reve me 
to b;- laid by the British Parliament, and collected in the 
American colonies, without the consent of their local le- 
gislatures, was introduced. 

In the colonies it was believed that taxation and repre- 
sentation were inseparable ; and that they could ntither 



184 

be free nor happy, if their property could be taken frord 
them without their consent. The patriots in the Ameri- 
can assemblies, insisted that it was essential to liberty and 
happiness that the people should be taxed by those only 
who were chosen by thems(4ves, and had a common inte- 
rest with them. Every thing in Carolina tended to nourish 
a spirit of liberty and independence Its settlement was 
nearly coeval with the revolution in England, and many of 
its inhabitants had imbibed a large portion of that spirit, 
which brought one tyrant to the block,* and expelled another 
from his dominions ; every inhabitant was, or easily might 
be, a freeholder ; settled on lands of his own, he was both 
farmer and landlord, having no superiors to whom he was 
obliged to look up 5 and producing all the necessaries of 
life from his own grounds, he soon became independent. 

The first statute that roused general and united opposi- 
tion to British taxation, was the memorable stamp act« 
passed in the year 1765. 

The experiment of taxation was renewed the same yean 
in a more artful manner ; small duties were imposed on 
glass, paper, tea, and painters' colours. The coloni^^ts again 
petitioned, and associated, to import no more British manu- 
factures. In consequence of which, all the duties were 
taken off, excepting threepence a pound on tea. Unwil- 
ling to contend with the mother country about paper 
claims, and at the same time determined to pay no taxes, 
but such as were imposed by their own legislatures, the 
colonists associated to import no more tea, but relaxed in 
all their other resolutions, and renewed their commercial 
intercourse with Great Britain. 

The first act of South Carolina, decisive of a resolution 
to oppose with force the royal authority, was on the 6th 
of July, 1774, at Charleston, where resolutions were 
adopted by the conventions of the people, to assist and S!ij> 
port the people of Boston, by all lawful mt-ans in their 
povver. Deputies were appointed to visit those of the 
several colonies in general congress. The first of Febru- 



18i 



ly, 1775, was the day fixed by the continental congj-ess, 
afttr which, no British jiOodssi)Oulcl be ir.:purted; tiu; s . n- 
teenth of the same niDnth, was set apart as a day of la^iiMg, 
humiliation, and prayer, before Alaii^ihty God, citvouily 
to petition, " to inspire the kiag with true vvisJom, to de- 
fend the people of North America in their just title to free- 
dom, and to avert from them the calamities of a civil war," 
and the several numsiers of the Gospel tiuoughout the colo- 
ny, were requested to prep.ire, and deliver, .suitable iis- 
courses on the solemn ocL'asion. 

Dui'ing the tirst three months of the year ill 5, hopes 
were entertained that Great Britain would follow the smiie 
line of policy, which before had led her to repeal the slump 
act. On the 19th of April, 1775, a packet i'vom L*'a- 
don, reached Charleston ; but with in^eliigeiic ■, subversive 
of the pleasing hopes of a speedy accommodaiioii.* 

On that same day, hostilities were commenced at Lex- 

* This was obtained in the following manner. A secret comxiiittee 
Jiad been appointed, who agreed to watch tne arrival of the paciiet, 
and to take possession of the mail. When it arrived, it was pe- 
remptorily demanded by William Henry Drayton, Jolin NeulVille and 
Thomas Gorbitt, the members of that committee. The pust-manier 
refused and protested ; but these three gentlemen took char^'e o, the 
mail, and carried it off to the general cotnmiUee. The private let- 
ters were returned unopened to the post-oiiice, but public despatchesj 
from the British government to the governors of Virginia, the two Ca- 
rolinas, Georgia, and East Florida, were opened and read. Tnese ha^ 
nished abundant evidence of the determination of England, to coerce 
America by a military force. About the same time a letter from uov. 
Wright of Georgia, to General Gage, commander of tne kmg's army 
then in Boston, was intercepted by the secret committee, it contcun'» 
ed a request to general Gage to send a detachment of his majesty 's 
troops to awe the people of Georgia. The secret coniniittee took out 
this letter and put anotiier in its place, with an mutation ol vVngiic's 
signature subscribed, in which General Gage was informea,'" tiial 
there was no occasion for sendmg any troops to Georgia, as the peQ- 
pie, ooaviaced of their error, were come again to order." 



186 

iH_2;ton, in Massachuseils, by a detachment from the royal 
army at Boston, against the inhabitants of that province, 
A particular account of that bloody scene, was soon brought 
to the general committee in Charleston. No event during 
the warj seemed so universally to interest the minds of the 
people. All were struck with the nevv face of things, and 
viewed the contest in a much more serious light. From 
every appearance. Great Britain, instead of redressing 
American grievances, was determined to dragoon the co- 
lonists into submission. The spirit of freedom, beating 
liigh in every brea^st, could not brook the idea 5 while rea- 
son, more temperate in her decisions, suggested to the 
people their insufticiency to make efiectual opposition. 
They were fully apprized of the power of Britain ; ihey 
knew that her fleets covered the ocean, and that her flag 
had waved in triumph through the four quarters of the 
globe ; they knew that they were exposed on their western 
frontiers, to the irruptions of savage tribes, whose com- 
mon rule of warfare, is promiscuous carnage ; and they 
w, re not ignorant that their slaves mighi be worked upon, 
by the insidious offer of fr eedom, to slay their masters in 
the peaceful hour of domestic security. The province, 
through its whole extent on the sea coast, (which is nearly 
two hundred niiks,) was accessible to the fleets and armies 
of Great Britain. For defence, it pi>ssessed but a few for- 
tifications, too; inconsiderable fur particular notice, and 
even these were held by the officers of the king. The 
royal governor was commander in chief of the militia ; and 
all the officers being of his appointment, held their com- 
missions during his pleasure. The inhabitants were quite 
defenceless ; without arms, without ammunition, without 
clothing, without ships, without money, without officers 
skilled in the art of war. The stores of the merchants af- 
foi'ded no supplies, as the impurtatiou of arms had been 
restrained i)y the resolutions of congress. That Great Bri- 
iairs would commence hostilities was not imagined ; that 



187 



America should have recourse to arms, was not originally 
intended. Twelve hundred stand of muskets were in the 
royal magazine, but they could not be obtained, without 
the commission of an overt act of treason. How ever,, this 
alarming crisis stripped treason of its wonted terrors. All 
statutes of allegiance were considered as repealed on the 
plains of Lexington, and the laws of self preservation left 
to operate in full force. Accordingly, the night after in- 
telligence of actual hostilities was received, a number of 
the principal gentlemen in Charlestown, concerted a plan 
to take possession of the arms and accoutrements in the 
royal arsenal, which they instantly carried into execution. 
They removed them that night from the arsenal, and after- 
wards distributed them among tlie men enlisted in the pub- 
lic service. Lieutenant Governor Bull, imoiediatcly offer- 
ed a reward of one hundred pounds sterling, to any person 
who should discover the persons concerned in this business; 
but such as had the power, had not the inclination, while 
the few who had the inclination, were afraid to incur the 
risk of informing. 

Hitherto the only sacrifices demanded at the shrine of 
liberty, were, a suspension of trade and business ; but now 
the important question was agitated *^' Shall we live slaves, 
or die freemen ? " 

At a meeting of the convention it was unanimoiisly re- 
solved, that an association was necessary ; in which the peo- 
ple should bind themselves, by the most ■•acred obligations 
of duty and patriotism, to go forth on the call of their coun- 
try, and be ready to sacrifice their lives and proj^eiiy? to 
secure her freedom and safety. This association was sign- 
ed, generally by the citizens in all parts of the province. 
In Charleston, where the general committee sat, those, who 
refused to sign amounted only to about forty : and, exf^ept- 
ing in that section of the state which lies betw-en the 
Bi'oad and Saluda rivers, the non-subscribers were com- 
paratively few. 



188 



At this critical period of iTiilifary preparation, tiie whole 
quaiititv "f powder in the province^ did not amount to 
ih'^H^ t!iousand po'u.ds. Not originall}' designing a mili- 
tary oppositisKi, the people had collected no stores ; but 
no ". redi'ced to the aiternitive of fighting;, or submitting, 
ex>r.K)rr!in try meysuri-'S were taken to procure a supply. 
T -Ive persons sailed from Charl ston, and by surprise, 
boirderi a vessel near the ba^ ot St. Auorustine, took out 
f f! ?■ n th'iUSKiid pounds of powder, and brought it safe to 
Cbsri; ston. 

T" e late Con'^ress in June, {775. had agreed to arm the 
col^riv, but many sfil! shuddered a' the idea of hostile 
o; i'US against their former frif-niJs a.d fellow sub- 
j. f's. it was at length, after much debating, resolyed by 
th^ i>ew congres*:, on the 9th oC Nuvembrr, I '75, to di- 
rec 'he Americ^'n conimanr^er a; Fort Johnson, *' by every 
miiir ry i.-peration, to endeav ur to oppose the passage of 
any Btitish navd armament, wiiich might attempt to 
p;/ss. "* Wh' n th'S resolution was adopted, they cos mu- 
nicfjted it to Captain Thornl/Oiough, of the Tamar sloop 
of war. 

Among the inh-ihitnnts of the back country, (which had 
not hi en settled more than twenty years,) many were un- 
infiirmed, oi- nnsiiifornied of the real state of public af= 
fair<. lii some neighbourhoods.thir affections were estrang- 
ed Trooi each other by local host lities, and party divisions, 
which, a few years before, had been urged to the extremes 
of rccijirocal hatred and violence. There were among them 
a considera!)le number who had settled on lands granied 
by the bounty of government. These had brought from PiU- 
rope this u monarchical ideas, of their holding their posses- 
nicns at the king's pleasure. They were therefore easily 

* Though this fort had been in possession of the council of safety, 
for near two rnonili: , yet a variety of motives restrained them froK 
^ssng orders to fire on the king's ships. 



189 

led to believe, that the immediate loss of their freeholds^ 
would be the consequence of according with the American 
measures. 

Though there were some royalists in every part of the 
province, the only section in which they outnumbered the 
friends of Congress, was between the Broad and Saluda 
rivers. When it was determined to raise troops, the in- 
habitanls of that part of the proviiice could not be per- 
suaded that the mea>-ure was necessary. It was therefore 
judged essential to the public good, to march au army into 
the back settlements, before hostilities conimenced. To 
remove prejudices, a declaration w^as circulated throughout 
the counfi'}, stating ihe views and designs of Congress, the 
neccNSity of the measures they had adopted, and the polit- 
ical wisdom of their co-operaiing in defence of the com- 
mon weal. 

- The provincial Congress enforced these measures, with an 
army sufficitnily numerous to intimidate opposition. They 
sent a large body of militia, and new raised regulars, un- 
der command of Col jnels Richardson and Thompson. 
These were also joined by nine hundred men from North 
Carolina. This had ihe desired effect of keeping the dis- 
affected in awe, and giving confidence to the friends of 
liberty.* 

Excepting a few ill concerted insurrections, no public 
body in the province, prior to the British conquests in 
1780, gave avowed evidence of their disapprobation of the 
popular mensures. 

The refusal of Great Britain to redress the grievances of 
the colonists, suggested to some bold spirits, early in 
1770, the necessity of going much/ greater lengths, than 
was originally intended. A few penetrating minds fore- 
saw, that the love of dominion in the parent state, and the 

* Under the head of" military operations," the result of this state 
public affairs will be seen. 



190 

unconquerable love of liberty in Amfrica, would for ever 
obstruct a cordial reconciliation; but the people generally, 
still flattered themselves with the fond hopes of reunion. 

Public affairs were in confusion, for want of a regular 
constitution. The formation of an independent constitu- 
tion, that had the appearance of an eternal separation from 
the mother country, met with considerable opposition at 
first, until the act of parliament, passed December twenty- 
first, 1775, confiscating American property, and throwing 
all the colonists out of his majesty's protpction, was known, 
when the people assented to it ; yet it was only to have ef- 
fect until a reconciliation by Great Britain and the colonies 
should take place ; a temporary constitution was therefore 
framed, and passed in March 1776, consisting of three 
branches, on the model of the British government. (From 
the date of this instrument, we find that South Carolina, was 
the first state which formed an independent constitution, 
resting on this fundamental point, "that the voice of the 
people was the source of law, honor, and office.") 

This constitution carried us through the revolutionary 
war, and continued in force until 1790. South Carolina 
was one of the few states which did not, at the outset, en- 
act confiscation and banishment laws, against those inhabit- 
ants, who did not choose to take part in the struggle for 
independence. She gave to all the friends of the royal 
government their free choice of joining the Americans, or 
of going where they pleased, with their families and pro- 
perty. The excessive cruelties and severities of the Bri- 
tish troops and tories in 1780 and 1781, excited such deep 
resentments, that, in February 1782, acts for banishing 
and confiscating for political offence took place. These 
have since been generally repealed in whole or in part. 
Though the form of government has been materially al- 
tered several times, yet each change has been for the better. 
The first was the proprietary, from which the following 
has been the order of mutation : 1st, Regal, 2d, Representa- 



19i 



live, (colonial) and 1st, by coinmittees and conai;rPSses, or 
conventions oj the people, 2d, by the cons itu<ion of 1776, 
3ci, by tnai of i77.S, and 4tn, b_y that of llbi), as a . !; d;.pen- 
dent state. Besides these domestic changes, Sou in Carolina, 
as one oi' the Unued States, was successivly .subject to a 
Congress with advisojv powers from 1 774 to i7bi, to the 
contedei'ation from i7bi to 178y, and to the constitution of 
the United Slates from 1789 to this time. As it is impor» 
tant for us to have betore uur ej^es the ''magna chai la'' 
of our laws and liberties, the constitution of the United 
Stales, and that of this State are nere subjoined. The for- 
mer was ratified in 17»i>; tne latter, June 3d, 1790.* 

The following are the names of the Governors of South 
Carolina, Irom its hrst settlement, to the ye&r \S26; ar- 
ranged according to the dates of the ir elections. 



Proprietary Governors. 

1670 William Sayle, 

1671 Joseph West. 
1671 Joseph Yeamans. 
1674 Joseph West. 
1682 Joseph Morton. 
1684 Jos'ph West. 
1684 Richard Kirk. 

1684 Robert Quarry, 

1685 Joseph Morton. 

1686 James Colleton. 
1690 Seth Sothell. 
169i! Piiilip Ludwell. 

1693 Thoiiias Smith. 

1694 Joseph Blake. 

1695 John Archdale. 

1696 Joseph Blake. 



1700 James Moore. 

1703 Nailianiel Johnson. 

1709 Edward Tyne. 

1710 Robert Gibbs. 
17 i a Charles Craven, 
1716 Robert Daniel. 
1719 Robert Johnson. 
1719 James Moore. 

Temporary Repuhhcan Governor- 
Ill^ Arthur Middleton. 

Royal Governors. 

1721 Francis Nicholson. 

1725 Arthur Middieton. 

1730 Robert Johnson. 

1735 Thomas Bruughton, 

1737 William bull. 



'■^ The Constitution of the State of South Carolina, aiu] that of 
the United tStates, will be ibunrl in Appendix B, 



192 



1743 Jfames Glen. 1790 

1756 Win. 11. Littleton. 1792 

1760 Wiliiam Bull. 17^4 

1762 Tliomas Boune. 179b 

1763 vViiliam iiull. 1798 
1766 Charles Montague. 1800 
1769 William Bull. i802 
1775 VVxiliam Campbell. 1804 

1806 

Republican Governors, 1808 

1775 John Ruiledge. 1810 

1778 Rawlins Lowndes. 18*2 

1779 John Ruiledge. 18I-i 
1782 John Mathews. 1816 
17^3 Beiijandn Guerard. ISlo 
17s5 Uiiitam Mouitrie. 1820 
1787 Tiiomas Piiickney. 1822 
1789 Charlus Pinckney. 1824 



Charles Pinckney. 
Anioidus Vanderhorst. 
William M-Jultrie. 
Charles Pinckney. 
Edward Ruiledge. 
John Drayton. 
James B. Richardson. 
Paul Hamilton. 
Charles Pinckney. 
John Drayton. 
Henry Middleton. 
Joseph Alston. 
David R. Williams. 
Andrew Pickens. 
John Geddes, 
Thomas Bennet. 
John L. Wils >n. 
Richard S. Manning, 



POLITICAL DIVISIONS. 

South Carolina was, soon after its first settlement, divid, 
ed isilo ibur counties — Bdi'kley, Craven, Colleton, and Car- 
teret or Grauville — Berkley contained the Capitol, and oc_ 
cupi d the adjiicent country. — Craven was to the northward 
' — Colleton contained Port-Royal, and the islands in its vi- 
cinity to the distance of thirty miles — Carteret laid to the 
southwest. 

The ptovince was afterwards divided into seven pre- 
cincts, viz. Cnarleston, Camden, Georgetown, Beaufort, 
Orangeburg, Cheraw and Ninety six. These were subdi- 
vided; some into parishes, and others into townsli,ips. 

Ch.irleston was laid off into ten parishes, viz. St, James 
Satitee, St.'i'homas, Christ Church, St. Andrews, St. John's 
Colieton, St. Paul's, St. James' Goose-creek, St. John's 
Bta'kley, St. Stephens, and St. Georges. Georgetown 
was divided into five parishes and one township ; viz 



193 

Prince GeorgeSj Prince Fredericks; Queensborough, Kings- 
ton, and All Saints, parisiies, and Williamsburg township. 
Beaufort was laid off in the four following parishes ; viz. 
Perry ^burg, St. Peter's, St. Helena, Prince William, and 
St. Bartholomew. Orangeburg contained three parishes; 
viz. Amelia, Orangeburg, and Saxa Gotha. Cheraw con- 
stitutes St. David's Parish. Camden had two parishes, 
St. Mark's and Fredericksburg, and Ninety-six was di- 
vided into the townships of New Windsor, and London- 
derry. 

After the revolution anoth^T arrangeiTient of the State 
was established, which divisions were called Districts, 
Counties, and Paiishes ; viz. Beaufort, Charleston, George- 
town, Orangeburg;, Camden, Chera^v, Ninety-six, Pinck- 
ney, and Washington districts. The parishes and ou: ties 
were, St, Helena, St. Luke, Piince William, St. P«:'ters, 
St. Philips, St. Michael, St. Bartholemew, St. John's, Berk- 
ley, St, Georges, Dorchester, St. Stephens, St. James San- 
tee, St. Thomas, Christ Church, St. James, Goo-ecivek, 
S:. John's, Colleton, St. Andr-vv, St. Paul's, Al! S;tints, 
Prince George's, Frede-ick, Levvisburg or St, MfitthevvSj 
Orange, Lexington, Winton, Cl&rendon, Cleujent, balem, 
Richland, Fairfield, Chesteriieid, Darhngton, York, Ches- 
ter, Union, Spartanburg, PendIr*ton, Greenville, Abb-vslle, 
Edegfield, Newberry, and Laurens. 

Before exhibiting an expose of the present divisir-n of 
the state, it will be useful to take a general view ol' the 
boundaries of the old counties, as they existed under the 
royal government. 

Berkley county, included all that section of c antry 
lying between the waters of Edisto, (the north fork.) Ssl'ida 
and Santee, Cungaree and Broad rivers, from the sea-ci>ast 
to the mountains. 

Colleton county, embraced a5i that section of country 
lying between the waters of Edisto, Combahee or Salt- 



194 

catcher, Saluda, and a line running parallel with the lat 
ter to the mouritains. 

Craven county, uicluded a great extent of country, hav- 
ing North Carolina for one boundary, and theSantee, Con- 
garee and Broad rivers for the other, reaching from the sea- 
coast to the mountains. 

Carteret, or Granville, embraced all that section of the 
provinces lying between the Savannah river and the Salt- 
catcher, and the line from the head of the Saltcatcher to the 
mountains : which divided it from Colleton. 

The grand divisions now established in South Carolina,, 
embrace twenty-eight districts. Their names and location 
are as follows. 

LOWER DISTRICTS. 

Bpaufort, Colleton, Charleston, Georgetown, Williams- 
burg, Marion^ and Horry. 

MIDDLE DISTRICTS. 
Barnwell, Edgefif Id, Orangeburg, Newberry, Lexing- 
ton, Rirhland, F-irfield, Sumter, Kershaw, Darlington, 
Chesierfieidj and Marlborough. 

UPPER DISTRICTS. 
Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Chester, Lancaster, York, 
Spartanburg, Greenville, and Pendleton. 

The boundaries of each of these Districts, will be found 
under their respt-ctive heads. 

There is another political division of the state existing, 
constituted of nine congressional districts, from whence 
members of congress are elected, which were laid off b)'' 
an act of tite Legislature, December, l8'-i2, as follows; 
Ist. The district of Charleston, with the exception of St. 
John's, Colleton, and St. Andrevvs. 2d, The united dis- 
tricts of C(/lletoii and Beaufort; including the parishes of 
St. John's, Colleton, and St. Andrews. 3d, The united 
■Jistricis of Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlborough^ 



-#■■ 



196 



Williamsburg and Darlington. 4th, The united districts of 
Barnwell; Orarigeburg, Lexiiigton, and Richland. Stb, 
The united districts of Edg -field and Abbeville. eth. 
The united districts of Pendleton and Greenville. 7thj, 
The united districts of Spartatiburg, Union, York, and 
-Chester. 8ih, Tiie united districts of Laiicasier, Kershawj 
Sumter, and Chesterfield ; and 9tii, The united districts 
of Fairfield, Newberry, and Laurens. 

JUDICIARY. 

For the first ninety-nine years, Charleston was the seat 
of justice for provincial Carolina. In 17-^1, a court of 
Chancery was established in the persons of the G-overnor 
and his Council. In 1769, an act was passed, by which 
new district courts were established at Beaufort, George- 
town, Cheraw, Camden, Orangeburg, and Ninety-six. In 
1784, equity jurisdiction was given to three judges, to be 
elected by the Legislature ; any two of whom, were to 
constitute a quorum. Three judges were accordingly 
elected ; one died, one resigned, and the Legislature de- 
clining another election, the surviving judge was left with. 
power to giant injunctions, which no existing authority 
could take cognizance of, for removal or perpetuation. In 
this situation did the judiciary stand, when the constitution 
of 1790 was adopted, which provided a Court of Chancery 
and a Court of Law. The state was then divided into 
equity and law circuits. Seven law judges and five chan- 
cellors were elected, who formed a court of appeals to their 
respective courts^, at the end of their circuits. 

In 1824, the courts of law were new modeled — -justice 
iS now distributed in every district, each having a cour^ 
fitting in it twice a year, regularly, and occasionally extra 
courts are held. At present the judiciary stands thus : 

1st. A court of appeals, from the courts of law and 
equity/, consisiing of three judges, who sit twice in every 
year in Columbia, and twice in Charleston. 



196 

2d. A court of equity, heW onee in every year, in eactit 
district of the st?iie, except Charleston, where two courts 
are held annually ; two chancellors are appoinled to ride 
the circuits alternately. 

3d. Courts of law, to which are appointed seven judges. 

The state is di\'ided into four equity circuits, cumposed 
as follows : 1st circuit — Edgefield, Abbrvilhi, Pendleton, 
G^reenville, Laurens, and Nevvbeny. 2d circuit — Spartaiir 
burg. Union, York, Chester, Lancaster, Fairfield, and 
Kershaw. 3d circuit — Orangeburg, Colleton, Beaufort, 
Baraweil, Kichland, and Lexington ; and 4th circuit — • 
Charleston, Georgetown, Cheraw. and Sumter. 

Before the revolution, Chief Justice Trott compiled the 
laws of the province up to the year 1734, and Mr. Simp- 
son brought into one view all of them, which related to the 
powers and duties of justices of the peace. Soon after the 
revolution, Judge Grimke took up the same business, and 
gave a compilation of all the laws in force from the settle- 
ment of the province, to the year 1790, and also two sepa- 
rate works, one for the information and direction of jus- 
tices of the peace ; and another for similar guidance of 
executors, and administrators. 

Before Judge Grimke's publications, a knowledge of the 
ordinary acts of the provincial and state legislatures could 
only be obtained from the public records, for (ew or no 
copies of them could be otherwise procured. Legal 
knowledge from that time, has increased rapidly. The 
following works on this subject have been published in this 
state since 1790. 

Faust's Continuation of the Acts, from 17G0 to 1805. 

Brevard's Digest of Acts, from the first settlement of the 
country to 1814. 

Bay's Reports of the Law Decisions, from 1783 to ISO"? 

Desaussure's Reports of Equity Decisi »ns, to 1817, 

Constitutional Reports, from ISll to 1S17. 

Nottand M 'Cord's Reports, froiTi 1817 to 1830 



197 

M'Cord's Reports, from 1820 to lS24o 
Harper's Reports, for iS24 and 1825. 
James's Digest, 1823. 

PENAL CODE. 

The penal code of Great Britain when introduced into 
this province, underwent considerable revisions. The fol- 
lowins; summary of statutes of the 12th December; 1712, 
will explain the extent of this change. 

On the 12th of December, ^712, an act of the legisla- 
ture of the colony of South Carolina was passed, entitled 
*'an a^^t to put in force in the province the several statutes 
of the kingdom of England, or South Britain, therein par- 
ticularly mentioned." 

By this act it was declared, that certain enumerated sta- 
tutes of England should be of the same force in the pro- 
vince as if they had been enacted in the same. 

Also that all the statutes of the kingdom of England, 
declaring the rights and liberties of the subject, shall be of 
force in the province. 

It also declares the common law of England to be of full 
force in the province, except where the same may have 
bten altered in the enumerated and adopted statutes ; or 
where the common law may be inconsistent with the par- 
ticular constitution, customs and laws of the province ; 
and except so much thereof as hath relation to the ancient 
tenures which were taken away by the statute of Charles 
II, and free and common soccage was declared to be the 
tenure of lands in the province. And except that part of the 
common law which relates to matters ecclesiastical, which 
are inconsistent with the settlement of the church of Eng- 
land in the province, by the acts of the legislature- 
It was also enacted that the governor, court of chancery, 
judges, and other public officers, are authorized to execute, 
and/^arry into effect so much of the common law as is 



adopted, in the same manner as corresponding officei's in 
Enii^land mig^t do by law. 

Further, that the statutes not enumerated and adopted^ 
were declared impracticable in ihe province. 

Liberty of commerce was also to be promoted as grant- 
ed by the lorcis proprietors. 

The provincial laws respecting drawing jurors by ballot 
were also to be observed. 

By an act of the same date, (iSth December, 1712,) 
the English statute for the better securing (he libt rty of 
the subject, commonly called the Habeas I'urpus act, pass- 
ed in the thirty-fifth year of Charles II, was made of force, 
and tile provincial i>fficer directed to carry it into effect. 

This selection and enumeration of E iglish statutes to be 
of force, and the rejection of all others, saved much diffi- 
culty and embarrassrneni in the proviace, which was se- 
verely felt in o^h^r colo des, in tue admiaisiration of jus- 
tice, for want of such selection a, id enumeration ; the se- 
lection was made with mu 'h beaming and jndg:nent.* 

The subject of our penal code lequires yet considerable 
revision. The present practice, though not the law of the 
land, throws upon society many whose criminal acts 
merit punisument ; but from the severity of that punish- 
ment, (by law,) and its unsuitableness to the offence, the 
criminal generally rec^;ives a pardon, or if punished, it is 
only by confinement, (that often but for a slioit perind, 
and in a state of idleness,) or otherwise, by inflicting some 
corporeal pain, neither of which produces any gO; d tfii-ct 
upon him ; and thus are the commuiiiiy again subject to 
his depredations. Now whatever deficiencies may be at- 

* It was not known, with certainty, who was the principal author 
of this act, but it is believed he was a Scotchman, because no English- 
man, and indeed no other man man Scot ever calls England Boiith 
■Britain, as it is denominated in the act ot'Parliameut above spoken of: 
and there is also reason to believe that Chief Justice Trott was* that 
Scot, as one of the most infelligent men in office at that period. 



199 

tached to the penitentiary system of punishment, a result 
of this injurious nature could not possibly take place. The 
criminal whilst confined in these establishments would be 
obliged to work, and every attention paid to his moral 
habits, both of which are totally neglected in the common 
jails. Whatever were the objections alleged against the 
penitentiary system in this state by the legislature of IM6 
— 17, when the subject was before them, they may be 
considered as now invalid, resulting from the important 
improvements made since in their internal government. 
The penitentiary system is now almost universally adopted, 
wherever its merits ar" kaown, even on the continent of 
Europe. It is si icorply to be hoped, upon every piinci- 
ple of humanity and justice, that South Carolina, famed for 
benevolence and huaianity, will not be the last to adopt its 
excellent provisions, founded on every principle of right to 
the criminal and community ; ther^ is no state that would 
derive as great benefits from the establishment of such an 
institution in if, as this state. It is deficient in many arti- 
cles of the first necessity, which are generally manufactur- 
ed in penitentiary houses ; the necessity of corporeal pun- 
ishment would be measurably done av\ay, as the discipline 
of these institutions is totally difi°erent, and moi'e certain of 
effecting the end of such correction. In summing up 
th se brief remarks, the aut'ior would refer those who may 
be opposed to this system, to the luminous and interesting 
report on the penitentiary system, by Charles G. Hains^ 
Esquire, of New- York, published in 1822. After the pe- 
rusal of this valuable document, if any doubt remains of 
the superiority of this system over every other, for the pun- 
ishment of crimes, then should the author despair of ever 
being able, by arguments, to convince his readers of it.* 

i 

* The followin£p are the views of the celebrated Mr. Roscoe on 
capital punishments. The a'lthor's sole wish, in introdncing' theoi 
here i^to awaken the slumbers of the people of South Carolina; to 
correct the errors that we have lono; laboured under, in this momen- 



200 

The first, chief justice of Carolina, was Jurlge B^him ^ 
he acted in this capacity as early as the seventeenth centu- 

tous matter: he feels assured if his fellow citizens will give the subject 
an impartial examination they will be convinced of the great superi- 
ority of the penitentiary system over every other mode of correction 
of the criminal with the view to amend the man. 

ON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH. 

If it be true, that the proper object of human punishment is the 
reformation of the offender, it will follow as a necessary consequence, 
that it is not allowable, under any combination of circumstances, to 
put a fellow creature to death. 

In order to prevent the perpetration of sanguinary crimes, it seems, 
in the first place, necessary, that the legislature should show its ab- 
horrence of the shedding of blood, and should inculcate, in the strong- 
est manner, a sacred regard for human hfe. 

A sentiment of this nature, impressed upon the feelings of a people, 
would be more efficacious in preventing the crime of murder, than the 
Severest punishments. 

Cicero calls his country " Parens communis" — what should we 
think of a parent who corrects his child by putting him to death ? 

"The case of a civil ruler and his subject," says a sensible and en- 
ergetic writer, " is much like that of a father and his minor son. If the 
son behave himself unseemly, the father may correct him. If after 
■ all due admonitions, and corrections, the son should prove to be incor- 
rigible, the father may expel him from his family, and he may disin- 
herit him ; but he may not kill him. All civil as well as parental pun- 
ishments ought to be mild, humane, and corrective ; not vindictive, 
inhuman and extirpating. They ought to be merciful, not rigorous; 
proportionate to the crime, not excessive ; and tend to the reforma- 
tion of the delinquent, but not to his destruction ; and should be in- 
flicted with reluctance, love and affection; not with passion, hard 
heartedness, and asperity. The highest encomium that can be bestow- 
ed on good rulers is when we style them the fathers of their subjects, 
and the protectors of their rights."* 



*Essajs on Capital Punishments. Philadet 1811. Eepublished by Basil 
Montagu, Esq. in his Collection of Opinions on the Punishment of Death, Vol. 
iii. p. 159. 



201 

ly, Nicholas Trolt acted as chief justice early m tlic 
eighteenth century. 

It is remarkable that those persons on whom the example of capi- 
tal punishments is chiefly intended to operate, are usually such as have 
manifested the most striking disregard to their own lives ; consequent- 
ly those upon whom the idea of the punishment of death is likely to 
make the least impression. A person who voluntarily places himself 
before the aim of a pistol, cannot be supposed to be deterred from, 
that act by any apprehension of his life from remoter consequences. 

It has, therefore, been proposed to place the murderer in such a 
situation as should effectually prevent a repetition of his crime ; 
where, instead of escaping from iguommy and remorse by immediate 
death, he may exhibit, by a long course of humiliation and repentance 
the fatal consequences of his guilt. 

The effects produced by such an example might be advantageous, 
without being counteracted by other considerations. Whether the 
spectators who attend ah execution, may be deterred from similar 
crimes by witnessing such a catastrophe ; or whether they may be- 
come in some degree hardened against the feelings of humanity, by 
the frequent recurrence of such spectacles, may at least be doubtful ; 
but a murderer, under restraint and correction for his crime, is an ob- 
ject, the sight of which, combining at once the enormity of the of- 
fence with the dignified forbearance of the law, must always be favour- 
able to the best interests of the community. 

Hence there is reason to presume, that punishments of this nature 
would tend more effectually to the prevention of crimes, than the 
dread of immediate death ; in which scene the criminal is the chief 
actor, and not unfrequently appears with considerable eclat. In fact, 
offences that subject the perpetrators to death are committed no 
where more frequently than at executions ; and the horrible specta- 
cle of the exposed body of a murderer seems to be only the prelude 
to similar crimes. 

But if legislators and writers of great eminence have entertained 
considerable doubts, both as to the right and the expediency of ca- 
pital punishment, even for the most heinous offences, how is it pos- 
sible to justify the application of it to such crimes as affect property 
only, and that frequently to a very trivial amount ? "Among the va- 
riety of actions that men are daily liable to commit, no less than two 
hundred have been declared by act of Parliament, to be felonies with- 
out benefit of clergy, or in other words to be worthy of instant death. 
When we inquire into the nature of the crimes of which this dreadful 

B B 



202 

The names of the present judges will be found under 
the head of Officers of the Government. 

catalogue is composed, we shall find it to contain transgressions which 
scarcely deserve corporal punishment: ; we shall find it to omit atro- 
cious enormities ; and so to blend all distinctions of guilt, as to inflict 
the same punishment upon the offender who steals to the amount of 
a few shillings in a shop, as upon the malefactor who murders his fa- 
ther."* 

Nor is it only for the actual privation of property that the punish- 
ment of death is provided ; even many offences which seem to be 
merely legal trespasses, are included by the legislature in the black 
catalogue of capital crmies. Such offences are undoubtedly the pro- 
per objects of a correctional police, but surely no humane or consi- 
derate person can for a moment admit that they ought, in a well regu- 
lated community, to be punished with death. " It nmst be owned," 
says Blackstone, "that it is much easier to extirpate, than to amend 
mankind ; yet that man must be esteemed both a weak and a cruel 
surgeon, who cuts off every limb, which, through indolence or igno- 
rance, he will not attempt to cure." 

" It cannot be too strongly inculcated," says a noble and excellent 
writer on tliis subject, " that capital punishments, when unnecessary 
are inhuman and immoral. Sensibility sleeps in the lap of luxury, 
and the legislator is contented to secure his own selfish .enjoyments 
■fay subjecting his fellow citizens to the miseries of a dungeon, and the 
horrors of an ignominious death. "f So true it is, that the most cru- 
el and unjustifiable laws are those which are intended to effect their 
purpose by a sudden and decisive process ; as if the promulgator had 
thereby freed himself from all further d nger and trouble on the sub- 
ject. " This summary way of proceeding by capital punishments," 
says a distinguished writer of the presentday, " though it may assume 
the appearance of vigilance and zeal in the public service, is, in real- 
ity, too well adapted to the indolence or the pride of men, in making 
laws which they are themselves under little temptation to violate. 
It presents itself readily to the coarsest understanding, and you fly to 
it with little reflection, though upon a collective vie.w of all the cir- 
cumstances which ought to regulate the measure, it \yill be found to 
require the greatest."! 

* Speech of Sir John Anstruther in the House of Commons, 1811. 

t Eden's Penal Law, pp. 287, 291. 

I CJiaracters of C. J. Fox, by Philopatris Varvicensis, VoJ. ii. p. 468 



m)3 

REVENUE, RESOURCES, 

EXPENSES OP GOVERNMENT—DEBT OF THE STATE—SiNIv- 
ING FUND. 

The revenue of the state is principally derived from as- 
Had it not been from the influence of examples handed down to 
the present times from ages of the darkest ignorance, it would scarce- 
ly be possible to conceive hov/ we could tolerate laws that involve 
such a great variety of offences, so different in their nature, in one 
common punishment; not only with the most flagrant injustice, but 
with the greatest danger to every member of the community, whose 
life is thus placed in a constant competition with objects of the most 
trivial and worthless description, and is liable to be sacrificed to the 
security of offenders, against the consequences of very inferior, and 
comparatively unimportant crimes. To commit a murder, or to 
free a person from an arrest; to burn a dwelling house and its inhab- 
itants, or to burn a haystack; to commit a parricide, or to obstruct 
an officer of the revenue in the seizure of prohibited goods; to break 
into a dwelling house at midnight, or to cut down, or otherwise de- 
stroy a tree in a garden ; to poison a family, or to maim or wound a, 
cow — Is it possible to conceive, that if an enlightened and humane 
legislature had undertaken to form a code of laws for a civilized coun- 
try, they could have adopted such measures as these, which are not 
less dangerous to themselves, than intrinsically extravagant and un- 
just ; and which might render it indispensable to the life of the poor 
wretch, who is cutting a stake in a plantation, to murder the owner, 
who may unwillingly have it in his power to give that evidence whicli 
may take the forfeited life of the offender? 

Such in fact is the present state of the criminal law in this country, 
that it seems to be universally admitted, that if it were to be carried 
into strict execution, it would form the bloodiest system of legislation 
by which any nation, ancient or modern, ever punished itself. In- 
stead therefore of attempting to vindicate our present institutions of 
criminal law upou any principle of reason and justice, it is usual for 
those who wish for their continuance, ,to contend that they are not 
intended to be carried into effect, but are only meant to furnish the 
judicial authorities with sufficient power to include every description 
of crime ; and, at the same time, toallow such an exercise of discre- 
tion, as may give to a severe law a mild and temperate execution. 
To sucJi an extreme has this idea been carried, that a very popular 



204 

sessnients on lands, negroes, city and town lots, stock in 
trade, dividends of the bank of the state, &c. 

modern writer* has erected upon it a system of legislation, which he 
denominatefethe "Law of England," which, as he informs us, "by the 
number of statues creating capital offences, sweeps into the net every 
crime, which under any possible circumstances, may merit the pu- 
nishment of death ; but when the execution of this sentance comes to 
he deliberated upon, a small proportion of each class are singled out, 
the general character, or the particular aggravations of whose crimes, 
render them fit examples of public justice ; and by this expedient, few 
actually suffer death, whilst the dread and danger of it hang over the 
dimes of many." This attempt to represent as a preconceived and 
regulated system of legislation, a state of our judicial concerns, which 
has arisen from the mere impossibihty of carrying such sanguinary 
measures into effect, is not less repugnant to the truth, than it is fo- 
reign to the ideas of our ancestors; who, however they might err on 
the side of severity, were certainly sincere in their hostility against 
crimes, and intended their enactments should be carried into effect. 
The fallacy of this statement has been fully shown by Sir Samuel 
Romilly,! by whose enlightened efforts, and indefatigable exertions, 
some of the mobt cruel and obnoxious of these statutes have been re- 
pealed.f It is not however by the success that has attended his la- 
bours, that we must estimate vv'hat is due from the community to this 
real patriot and distinguished senator. The reforms effected by him, 
bear indeed a small proportion to the enormous mass of sanguinary 
enactments which disgrace our statute book; but the maxims of legis- 
lation which he has laid down, and the sound principles for which he 
has contended, apply to the whole system; and will, it may confident- 
ly be hoped, eventually produce such alterations as may remove from 

* Dr. Paley. 

t In his tract entitled " Observations on the Criminal law of England " as 
well as in his speeches in pf.rlit'.mi^nt. 

^ In particular, the 8th Eliz. c, 4, by wbic/h larceny from the person above 
the value of 12d was made felony without benefit of clergy, and the English and 
Irish statutes which punished the stealing from bleaching grounds with death. 
In the session of 1812, an act was also passed to repeal the statute of Eliz. which 
made it a eapital eifenee for soldiers ©r raariaers to wander or beg withotit » 
pass. 



mo 



The ordinary income of the state is about ^^420,060 pci- 
annum. 

oiir judicial code, the imputation of cruelty on the one hand, and pre- 
vent the impunity of the criminal on the other.* 

In fact, it is in this ill-judged lenity, or rather inefficacy of the law, 
that we discover one great cause ot the extraordinary profligacy and 
depravity of the present day. Offenders of every description, harden- 
ed and instructed in wickedness, are acquitted by our courts and lib- 
erated from our gaols, to renew their depredations on the community. 
Such is the inevitable consequence of enacting a punishment wholly 
inapplicable to the crime, that the public suffers, whilst the criminal 
escapes. He has indeed been meshed in the great net of the law, 
but this net retains scarcely one in a thousand,t and he has escaped 
so often, that he has little fear of encountering another trial. Such 
is the acknowledged barbarity of our laws, and such the more enlight- 
ened and humanized state of the public feeling, that they are no long- 
er compatible with each other. Accordingly we perceive on every 
hand indications that a further perseverance in our present track will 
not long be possible. Whilst our institutions continue in their pre- 
sent form, persons injured frequently will not prosecute — witnesses 
will not attend — ^juries will not convict, and judges cannot condemn.^ 

* May this expectatioa be accomplished ! for, since the above was written, the 
world has been deprived of the illustrious individual to whom it relates, and 
can now onh- avail itself of the lessons he has left for its improvement I May 
■we not however venture to hope^ from the sincere simpathy and universal grief 
•which this event lias occasioned, that the cause he so warmly espoused, and the 
sentiments he so forcibly expressed, are deeply felt by the nation at large ? 
And that his loss will, as far as possible, be repaired by an increased determi- 
nation on their part to promote the great and beneficent objecla whicli he so 
faithfully pursued > Such a result of his labours may delight his spirit, and 
add to his happiness in the regions of the blest. 

f It was stated in the House of Commons, in the debate on the shop-lifting 
and canal bills (Feb. 1810) that out of 1872 persons, who had in the course of 
seven years, been committed to ^Jewgate, for stealing in dwelling houses, onlv 
one was executed. 

q;"At Carnarvon Sessions (1818] J. Jones, a drover, was tried for offering 
forged bank notes ; and notwithstanding thirty-one witnesses established the 
charge, and Mr. Glover, inspector to the bank of England, traced thirty -nine 
aiotes to have been paid by the prisoner, the jury returned a verdict of not 
guilty. Next day, the same prisoner was indicted for having forged notes itt 
his possession, and the jury again returned a verdict of not guilty." The records. 
4jf e\ir Courts of Justice abound with siraiJar instances. 



m 



The ordinary expenses of government, including the in- 
terest of the stale debt, is about i^3i 0,000 per annum ; ex- 
clusive of the appropriations for public buildings, and inter- 
nal improvement. 



In the mean time, guilt and rapacity raise their heads with renewed 
insolence, and brave the ministers of law on the seat of justice. 
Such a state of things cannot, it is evident, admit of delay. It has 
been proposed by many excellent men, that attempts should be made 
to apportion punishments to offences, so that every crime should have 
its appropriate penalty; but, to say nothing of the acknowledged 
and numerous difficulties which must attend the completion of such a 
task, if the pubUc are to wait till the endless diversity of opinion to 
which this subject would give rise be reconciled, all prospect of re- 
dress would be hopeless. Let it not however be imagined, that the 
public depredator, the hardened criminal, is to be suffered to persist 
in his guilt. Let his hopes of impunity be dispelled, and his fears be 
awakened by buildings rising in every county and every city of the 
kingdom, calculated to repress his enormities, to subdue his obstina- 
cy, to form him to new habits and better dispositions, to render him 
sensible of his misconduct, and enable him to provide for himself by 
lionest industry :— let the courts of justice, instead of dismissing 
offenders to commence a new career of crimes, deliver them over to 
these no less effective than truly benevolent institutions ; where, as 
lias alreadv been shown by ample experience, there is every reason 
to expect that a great maj ority may be redeemed from their guilt, and 
restored to society; or, if this should not be found in all cases practi- 
cable, the community at large will derive, from the very efforts that 
may be made for this purpose, the inestimable benefit of being freed 
from the depredations of the innumerable hordes, who are at present 
its annoyance and its dread, and the sacred delight arising from the 
irerformance of the first of christian duties* 



207 



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208 



The state debt consists of the following items : 
i^259,332 19, of 3 per cent stock, 
450,000 uO, of 5 per cent stock, 
800,000 00, of 6 per cent stock, 



$1, 509,332 19, Amount of the present debt 

The sinking fund amounted to ^252,768 57, on the first 
of October, 1824. The dividend of the bank of the state, 
amounts annually to about ^120,000, and is pledged for the 
interest and redemption of this debt, which can be extin- 
guished by the same in about twelve years. 

Till the year 1790, South Carolina had the income of the 
import duty ; and from that fund paid its civil list, but the 
United states have since enjoyed that fruitful source of rev- 
enue. 

The land taxes annually collected, amount on an aver- 
age to about ^-^78,000. 

South Carolina, since its first settlement,has paid a heavy 
amount in taxes. The commencement of the eighteenth 
century, vvas uncommonly disastrous to its interests, and 
created serious expenses. The abortive expedition against 
St Augustine in 1702 ; the invasion of the province 
by Febourne, in 1706 ; the expedition under Colonel 
Barnwell, against the Tuscarora Indians of North Carolina, 
in 1712 ; the Yamassee war in 1715 ; and the suppres- 
sion of the pirates in 1718 ; all took place within a few 
years after the first settlement, and drew after them debts, 
taxes, paper money, and depreciation. 

In the years which followed the commencement of the 
war between France and England, or from 1755 to 1765, 
South Carolina paid in taxes £2,020,652.* Of this the 
enormous sum of £535,303 was raised in the year 1760^ 
when the Cherokee Indians were at war with the Carolini- 

* This was currency, the dollar then being worth 325. 6 A cuiTency- 



20y 

ans. The whole amount paid in taxes Tor the twenty years 
peace that intervened between the French war and the re- 
volution, was ,£375,578, which is one fourth less than the 
taxes for the year 1760. Between the first and last tax 
laid upon South Can-lina as a colony, was an interval of 
eighty sevtin years ; both were tinies 'f jieace, and required 
no extraordi arv supplies ; ye\ aft^r makin,^ every allow- 
ance f')r the difre:ence of st* rhn«; and currency, the last 
provincial tax was more than tvventy-four times the amount 
of the first. This fact exhibits a strong proof of the pro- 
gressive improvement of the country. 

The rates of taxation at present, are as follows : 

On land, city and town lots, 371 cents ad valorum on 
every ^100. 

Oa slaves, 75 cents per head. On free negroes $2 per 
head. 

On professions, 75 cents in every ^100. On stock in 
trade, 75 cents per 100 dollars. 

Lands belongis.gto the first class are valued at 26 doh. 
per acre, and of the last class at 20 cents per acre^ 




ill 



STATISTIC ;al TARLI 



THE SEVERi^.L DISTRICTS, 



SHOWING THEIR EXTENT, POPULATION, STAPLE PRODUCTS, PI 


lODUCTSFOkDOAiESTIC CONSUMPTION, ACRES IN CULTIVATION, 






ACHES CAPABLE 


OF CULTIVATION, VALUE OF THE PRESEN' 


r PRODUCTS VALUE OF THOSE 


CAPABLE 


OF hElNG REALIZED, i 


TAXES PAID IN 1824, AND REPRESENTATION. 


■ 


-— 












UistTicts. 


la uare 
lies. 


Acres 


Population, 

ISiiO. 


Staple products. 


Produc 


ts for domestic coi, 1 
sumption. 

, corn, and oat,s, 


Estimated 

acres in 

cultivation. 

60,000 


Estimated acres 
capable ol bein^ 
cultivated to ad- 
vantage. 

Io6,600 


Amount caja- 
ble to be reali- 
zed. 


Estimated val- 
ue ot die pre- 
sent products. 


Amount ot taxe 
pa id in 18 a*. 


Hei 


resenta 
tion. 

ben 


j 


Abbeville, 


99^ 


634.880 


Si3,167 


Col ton, 


Peas 


3,000,000 


l,3oo,ooo 


S 9,608 63 


6 


1 




Daniuell, 


1,4^0 


9i^ 1,600 


14,750 


Cotton and lumber, 


Peas 


, corn, wiieat, 


35,600 


96,600 


72i.-,ooo 


2&o,ooo 


5,6o4 89 


3 


1 




Ikiiu flirt, 


1,914 


1,224,V'60 


32 1 99 


C otton and rite, 


Peas 


., corn, potatoes. 


8L,600 


150,060 


4,5oo,ooo 


2,4oo,ooo 


29,335 19 


8 


4 




Cliarlcstim, 


2,112 


1,351,680 


80,212 


^Cotton and rice, 


Do 


. 00. do. 


t;i,660 


176,600 


5, loo, 000 


2,7oo,ooo 


96,lo6 17 


25 


lo 




Clu'Sicr, 


566 


361,600 


14,189 


I otton, 


Do 


.• do. cats, 


-46, (,60 


80,600 


l,2oo,ooo 


600, coo 


5'132 66 





1 




I'liesterfiekl, 


806 


515,840 


6,445 


Cotton, 


Do 


do. rice, 


-18, (,00 


40,660 


480,000 


216,000 


2.910 59 


2 


1 




C'dlleion, 


1,755 


1,125,200 


26,404 


^ ott(!n, lumber, rice. 


Do 


. 0. potatoes. 


', ::,t.60 


146,6o< 


S,5oo,0(.o 


1,875,000 


24-726 16 


7 


3 




l)aiiiii}i,t()ii, 


900 


570,600 


16,94!) 


( oiion and lumber. 


Do 


do. nee, 


St, I 66 


66,000 


7 8 (,,000 


060,000 


4-644 28 


3 


1 




l'.dj;eliel(l. 


1,:()2 


1,0^9,280 


25,111) 


Cotton, 


Do 


do. oats. 


7;>4,00 


15o,ooo 


1,800,000 


tco,(;(:(, 


10,972 39 


6 


1 




I''iiii field, 


736 


471,040 


17,17-1 


Cotton, 


Do 


do. do. 


f6,660 


loo, 000 


1,5(10,000 


75o,ooo 


7'21o 9o 


4 


1 




(u'(iri;et()wi), 


912 


583,680 


17,66,'3 


Ccliou and rice, 


L(i 


. do. potatoes.^ 


36.660 


6o,ooo 


l,8oo,(i()o 


l,o6(, 000 


17,825 IS 


4 


2 




•jii'Ciiville, 

liiiny, 

KiMshaw, 

Lancaster, 

Laiiiens, 

Li'xins>,toii, 

Miii'iuii, 

Miulbiiniu-h, 

Niwbeiij, 

Oiatim.'buig, 

I'l'inlleton, 

ttifhlaiul, 

'^iwiianbuig, 

i'umter, 

L'liioii, 

^Villiurasburs, 

York. 


G48 


414,720 


]4„53() 


(otton, 


Do 


. GO. oats, 


4( ,(.00 


7o,ooo 


7 00, 000 


4oo, (.(](> 


3,653 32 i 3 ! 1 




1,073 


686,720 


5,0s;. t 


Cotton, tar, and pitch, 
( otton, 


Do 


do. rice, 


14.(C@ 


46,000 


£26,000 


7o-oo(, 


1,11742 


1 1 




864 


552,960 


lic,4Sil 


Do, 


do. oats, 


36,(00 


7(,ooo 


1,000,000 


54o'Ooo 


7,712 78 


3 1 




598 


382,720 


8,71(1 


Cotton, 


Do 


do. do. 


?.i tto 


66,000 


650.000 


25o 000 


2,8e 7 32 


2 ] 




720 


560,800 


17^,68i; 


Cotton, 


Do, 


do. do. 


4o#60 


9o,ooo 


l!08o,000 


54o'ooo 


5.172£8 


4 1 




1,020 


652,800 


8,68.'! 


t otton and lumber. 


1)0, 


do. do. 


2'<(t0 


6(1,000 


600,000 


25(1,000 


£,8to25 


2 






1,230 


787,200 


lO.'iO) 


Cotton, tar, and jjitcli. 


Do, 


do. w heat. 


?%t60 


8o, 000 


,640,000 


24(1,000 


2,972 4o 


2 






486 


3]1,(;40 


6^42.'' 


Cotton, 


Do- 


do. nee, 


1 • (.66 


4o,coo 


48o,o(,o 


2 It, 000 


3,31( 21 


2 






576 


3(8,640 


16,104 


Cotton, 


Do • 


d 1. oats. 


4 (00 


9o,ooo 


l,Soo,coo 


676 000 


6 446 71 


4 


1 




1,(32 


1,044,480 


15,v5;s 


(otton, lumber, indigo, 
C< tton. 


Do' 


do. rice, 


:>/(jo 


1 (0,000 


800, 000 


S6o,ooo 


7'572 63 


3 







1,836 


1,175,040 


£7,022 


Do- 


do. oats. 


7. i-vO 


13o,o()o 


15000,000 


76o,ooo 


* 5,0]S49 


6 






630 


403,200 


l'-\321 


Cotton and lumber. 


Do- 


do. do. 


2.1 0(0 


00,000 


9oo,oo() 


375 000 


11-864 89 


3 


1 




1,050 


672,0(jO 


16,989 


Cotton and iron, 


Do,' 


do. do. 


5( 660 


70, (.00 


56o,coo 


.32o,ooo 


4,176 60 


4 






1,672 


i,oro,080 


25,36*1 


Cotton, 


Da • 


do. nee. 


000 


lS5,ooo 


1 S5( ,000 


600,000 


15,616 08 


5 






540 


345, (>00 


14.12(> 


Cotton, 


Do • 


do. oats, 


Oti 


80,000 


1,200.000 


600,000 


4.58o 92 


3 


1 




1.110 


710,460 


8,: l(i 


Cotton, 


Do- 


do. wheat, 


OCO 


70,000 


560,000 


2oo,ooo 


4.792 9o 


2 








1 693 


413,520 


14,93(; 


(otton and rice. 


Do • 


do. oats. 


(;0(; 


75,000 


900,000 


42o-ooo 


4,680 18 


^-' 1 


























-■ ' 






2i; 



ESTABLISHMENTS CONNECTED WITH THE GO^ 

VERNMENT. 

Baivk of the State — This institution was established by 
theLt-^islature in 1813 ; its capital has been increased from 
rtime to tij-ne, and now amounts to ^1,500,000. It yields 
an average clear interest to the state of about Si 20, 000. 

South Carolina College — This valuable national es- 
tablishment was founded in ISOSjand went into operation in 
iS04 It has increased in reputation and usefulness, to the 
present time. The officers are a President, five Professors, 
and two Tutors — the number of Students averages from 
110 to 120. The annual appropriations by the Legislature, 
for the salaries of the Facuhy, amount to ^'4,000, besides 
extr^i appropriations for the purchase of books, &e. * 

Lunatic Asylum — This benevolent institution was foun- 
ded in 1832 ; the building is now ready for the reception of 
patients ; it will contain 150, nearly all in separate rooms : 
the plan of the building is such as to admit of any extension^ 
without departure from the original design. :{: 

'■-Under the head of Columbia m Richland District; will be seen 
further particulars in relation to this institution. 

f The original act of the Legislature making' appropriations for a 
Lunatic Asylum included also an Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, 
but as the first was considered at that time the most important to be 
attended to, the execution of the latter has been deferred. This last 
will, no doubt, in due time receive the consideration it merits. The 
proportion of children born deaf and dumb, has been generally found 
nearly as great, compared with the population, as lunatic persons, 
namely, one to every 2,000: the number of deaf and' dumb therefore 
in this state, according to the above data, cannot be less than froin 
120 to 150. How important is it that provision should be made to 
instruct these helpless beings, and afford them the means of acquir- 
irig that knowledge which is so essential to enable them to discharge 
properly their duties to society ! The capacity of children, born deaf 
and dumb, to receive instruction, has been long demonstrated, Tl)© 
States of Connecticut, New York. New Jersey, Pennsyh-ania. ari?^ 



214 

SupPOKT OF THE PooK — The sum authorized, by act of 
the Legislature, to be raised for this purpose, amounts an- 
nually to from 60 to 70,000 dollars, including the tran- 
sient poor fund. As the subject of the poor is of great im- 
portance, particular notice is proposed to be taken of it 
hereafter. 

Free Schools — The general FreeSchool System was first 
established by law on the 2ist December, ISH, by which 
poor children are educated in every District of the State, at 
the public expense. Upwards of ^37,000 are annually ap- 
propriated for the support of these inslitutions. The re- 
turns of the Commissioners, for the last three years, report 
above 6,000 children under tuition annually. 

PuBLrc BuiLBiKGs — The annual appropriations,forsome 
years past, have been from 50 to 80,000 dollars, for the 
erection of public buildings throughout the state ; inclu- 
ding Court-Houses, Jails, &c. 

Internal Improvement — Since the year 1816, ^I,- 
712,662, have been appropriated to this important work. 
The annual expenditure hereafter required, will probably 
not exceed ^50,000. 

The Fiscal Department of the state is now under the 
management of a Comptroller General. Before the estab- 
lishment of this office, the financial system of the state, was 
so defective, " that no man (observes Dr. Ramsay) in or out 
of office, could tell with any precision the amount of the 
debts and credits of the state." The duty of the comptrol- 
ler, (amongst other official details,) is to superintend, adjust, 
and settle the accounts of the Treasurers and Tax Collec- 
tors — to prepare annually an exhibit of the fiscal concerns 
of the state — the ways and means of raising the requisite 

Kentucky, have established schools for educating^ deaf and dumb 
persons, and as the Legislature of South Carolina has thought of 
the good work, it is sincerely to be hoped it will put it^ soon into ope- 
xation. 



215 

revenue, &c.-— The extent of powers,annexecl to this office;, 
make it the most important in the state. The first rate 
financial talents are required in the discharge of its duties. 
To her first Comptroller General, Paul Hamilton, South 
Carolina is greatly indebted ; besides being an accurate ac- 
countant, he possessed a clear and systematic head ; after a 
thorough examination of the resources, debts and credits of 
the state, he made his first report in lSOO,and a farther one 
for the four following years. His reports astonished the 
Legislature. They then, for the first time,knew their real 
fiscal state, and were agreeably surprised to find it much 
better than they expected. From Comptroller Hamilton's 
report in 1S04, it appeared that the balance due the state 
amounted to ^734,755, 



Principal Officers of Government at this time. 

EXECUTIVE DEP\RTMK!SrT. 

Richard J. Manning, Governor and Commander in 
Chief. 
William Bull, Lieutenant Governor. 

JUDICIARY DEPARTMENT. 

Appeal Court — Judges, Nott.^ Johnson, and Colcock. 
CiKC'JiT f/ouRTs OF Law — Judges, Waites, Bay, James^ 
Gaillard, Richardson, Gant, and Wager. 

Chancellors, Judges Desaussure and Thompson. 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

William Laval, Secretary. 

TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 

Charles N. Furman, Treasurer of the Lower Division^ 
Thomas Harrison, Treasurer of the Upper Division. 

FISCAL DEPARTMENT. 

ilexander S^QeT-—Comptrotler General. 



216 

LAND OFFICE DEPARTxMENT. 

Joseph W. Alston — Surveyor General 

DEPARTiVlENr OF PUBLIC WORKS. 

Abraham Blanding — Superintendant. 

BANK DEPARTMENT. 

Stephen Elliott — President. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

A fact, peculiar, I believe, to the Stale of South Caroli- 
na, is, that the original patent of Charles the Second to the 
lords proprietors, was granted upon express condition of 
their promulgating the gospel among the Indians; and the 
ground of one objection to the proprietary charter, was? 
that this had been neglected. 

Liberty of conscience in religious, as well as other mat- 
ters, was the high prerogative guaranteed by this charter 
to the province ; and a rapid increase of population, intel- 
ligence, and worth, was its consequence. Conscious of 
the good arising from this source, the persecuted of all coun- 
tries flocked in, and, free from molestation, enjoyed a c-im- 
mon asylum ; the various sects cordially harmonized ; and, 
under sanction of their charter, mutually denounced the 
principle of religious pre-eminence, established by law. 
Thus were they circumstanced for twenty-eight years. — 
The suppression of gross immoralities, an enjoined observ- 
ance of the Lord's day, and a prohibition of drunkenness, 
idleness, and swearing, being the only interferences of go- 
vernment with religion. 

In the year 16 PS the church of England took the first step 
towards legal supremacy, by procuring an act settling a 
maintenance upon a minister of that church. Little no- 
tice was taken of this act by the people— their liberal feel- 



. 217 

ings were evinced by their acquiescence. The Episcopa- 
lians were then weak in numbers, having but one congre- 
gation in the province, when the population was between 
five and six thousand whites ; whereas the dissenters had 
three in Charleston, and one in the country. A h gal pre- 
eminence being thus obtained, most of the propriet rs and 
public officers (particularly Gov. Johnston, who ruled at 
this time) promoted the election of members of that church 
to seats in the legislature ; and by surprise succeeded in pro- 
curing a majority of one vote, to pass a law, which virtual- 
ly excluded dissenters from that body. This act opened 
the people's eyes* and the usual ill consequences followed ; 
animosities took place and spread in every direction. — 
The dissenters petitioned Parliament for a repeal of this ob- 
noxious lavv, and their petition wa^ answered favorably j 
but still the Episcopalians maintained their ascendancy for 
seventy years ; or during the whole time the province re- 
mained subject to Great Britain. 

The privileged church, mildly administering its powers, 
was enabled, by aid received from the mother church and 
government, to furnish the dispersed colonists with reli- 
gious teachers and schoolmasters ; and was thus useful in 
the introduction of learning and worth. 

The Rev. Mr. Thomas was the first missionary sent 
out by the London Society for propagating the Gospel in 
foreign parts. 

The Revolution which established our independence, 
burst every religious as well as political fetter, and dis- 
played a splendid spectacle, for the admiration of an aston- 
ished world — people of every nation, tongue, kindred and 
religion, dwelling in harmony— their disenthralled con- 
sciences having buried sectarian piques, and the shackles 
of monarchy, in one common grave. During our arduous 
struggle for independence, anxiety for the public weal su- 
perceded religious animosities and distinctions — they sunk 
to oblivion — and at the consummation of our golden hopes, 
the constitution which linked us as citizens, forbade the 



218 

veil to be torn from their memory,, and successfully enjoint 
ed that "the lion should lie down with the lamb." 

The Presbyterians were among the first settlers, and 
were always numerous in Carolina. Their ministers, in 
the maritime districts, (ajenerally from Scotland or Ireland) 
were men of good educations, orderly in their conduct, and 
zealous in the cause they iiad espoused. 

In 168-^ the In lependents, or Congregationalists, in con- 
junction with the Pr( sb\ terians, were formed into a church 
in Charleston. Their tirst minister was ihe Rev. B, Pier- 
pont. 

The B;5ptists formed a church inCharleston about the year 
1685. Their first minister was she Rev. Mr Scriv<^n, who 
commenced his misiisteriallabours in the province about the 
year i68.J, and continued thereto the time of his death, in 
1713. 

In 1 740, the celebrated deorge Whitfield visited and 
preached in the coloay In consequence of his aberrations 
from the episcopal church rules, he was cited to appear be- 
fore an ecclesiastical court, held ^t the parish church of St. 
Philips, on the I "Sth day of July, 17 40. The result was 
a sentence su-^pending him from his ministerial office. 
Whilst this prosecution was pending, and for 30 years after, 
W^hitfield preached almost daily to crowded congregations. 
So charmed were the people with his eloquence, that fre- 
quently no house could contain his hearers. The oftener 
he preached, the keener were they to hear him again. 
Carolina was frequently the scene of his labors ; and the 
religion of the province owed much to his zeal, diligence, 
and eloquence. 

The Methodists made their first appearance in Carolina 
in the year 1785. 

The French Protestants formed a church in Charleston^ 
about the beginning of the year 1700. The revocation of 
the edict of Nantz, in 1685, caused great numbers of French 
Protestants to seek an asylum in Carolina. 

Th Jews have had a synagogue in Charleston since the 



219 

year 1756. The German Protestants associated in Charles- 
ton, for reli^ous worship, about the middle of the eigh« 
teenth century. In the year 1759 they commenced build- 
ing a church, which was consecrated in 1764, by the nam© 
of St. John's. 

The Roman Catholics were not organized into a church 
in this state until 1791, The Rev. Dr. Keating was their 
first Priest. 

The society of Quakers, or friends, have a small church 
in Charleston. This religious people early emigrated to 
this state. John Archdale, Esq. governor of the pr®- 
vince, whose worth and services to the country will be evei* 
gratefully remembered by South Carolina, was one of their 
number. 

Among the Carolinians, Deism was never common. 

By the constitution of South Carolina not only all sectSj, 
but also those individuals who keep aloof from religious 
societies, enjoy equal protection for life, liberty, and pro-^ 
perty — the government being administered upon the prin- 
ciple that political authorities have notWng to do witli re- 
ligion ; it being an affair between man and his Creator. 

The several religious denominations stand numerically 
in the following order : — 

1st. Methodists. 2d. Presbyterians, 3d. Baptists. 4th, 
Episcopalians, 5th. Roman Catholics, 6th, Jews. 7th, Uni- 
tarians. 8th, Universalists. 9th. Quakers, 



MILITARY HISTORY, 

1670.] The first settlers of South Carolina were placed 
under the necessity, immediately on their landing, of be- 
coming familiar with the use of fire arms. Each subject 
or citizen was obliged to be a soldier. The laws required 
f very freeman of a suitable age, with a few exemptions^ to 



220 

be enrolled, equipped, and trained for public service ; this, 
in thf^ first instance, appeared a harsh regulation, but the 
beneficial effects of it were very soon made manifest. 

The Spaniards, who had effected a settlement in Florida 
previously, claimed sovereignty over all the southern coast, 
and soon evinced their enmity to the English settlers. 
Three years after the first landing in South Carolina, an 
armed party of Spaniards, from the garrison of St. Augus- 
tine, advanced as far as the Island of St. Helena, to dis- 
lodge or destroy the colony located there ; fifty volunteers, 
under command of Colonel Godfrey, immediately marched 
against the invaders, who on his approach left the island, 
and retreated to Florida. 

About the year 16 82, lord Cardross introduced a small 
colony from Scotland, which settled on Port Royal island. 
In 16S6 the Spaniards sent an armed force and dislodged 
these solitary Scotch settlers, and most of them returned 
to their native country. 

1702.] The first military expedition, undertaken by 
the colony, was in 1702, against St. Augustine, the Span- 
ish settlement ; it was commanded by Gov. James Moore. 
For the want of cannon the object of this expedition was 
not effected. Four years after this, the French and Span- 
iards made a combined attack on Charleston, with a frigate 
and four armed sloops ; but failed of doing any injury. 
After a little gasconading they went off. The same night, 
another French ship of war arrived in Sewee, or Bull's 
Bay, with a reinforcement. On being attacked she struck, 
without firing a shot ; and the men, who had landed, were 
taken prisoners. Out of SOO, who came against the colony, 
near 300 were killed or taken : among the latter. Monsieur 
Arbuset, their commander in chief by land, with several 
sea officers, who together offered ten thousand pieces of 
eight for their ransom. On the other hand, the loss sus- 
tained by the provincial militia was incredibly small. 

The Indians, in alliance with Spain, continued to harass 
the British settlements. Scalping parties of the Yamassees 



, 221 

frequently penetrated into Carolina, killing the vvliite men, 
and carrying off alltlie negroes they could find. Though 
the owners of the slaves had been allowed from the Span- 
ish government a compensation in money for their losses, 
yet few of them ever received it. At length Col. Palmer 
resolved to make reprisals on the plunderers ; for this pur- 
pose he gathered a party of militia and friendly Indians,, 
consisting of about 300 men, and entered Florida, with a 
resolution of spreading desolation throughout the province. 
He carried his arms as far as the gate of St. Augustine, and 
compelled the inhabitants to take refuge in their castle. 
Scarce a house or Imt in the colony escaped the flames ; 
jie destroyed their provisions in the fields, drove off the 
cattle, hogs, and horses ; and left the Floridians little pro- 
perty, except what v^^as protected by the guns of their fort 
By this expedition he demonstrated to the Spaniards their 
weakness ; and that the Carolinians, v>rhenever they pleased 
could prevent the cultivation and settlement of their pro- 
vince, so as to render the improvement of it impracticable 
on any other than peaceable terms with their neighbors. 

During the whole time that the Floridas were in the pos- 
session of Spain reciprocal invasions of the contiguous Span- 
ish and British pr.ivinces took place. In 1763, at the peace 
of Paris, the two Floridas were ceded to Great Britain. 
From that period, to the commencement of the revolution- 
ary war, the inhabitants of Florida, and those of Georgia 
and Carolina, being ail subjects of the same king, lived in 
harmony with each other. No sooner, however, had the 
American war begun, than the former scenes of plunder 
and devastation recommenced between the contiguous pro- 
vinces. The Floridas, by remaining a part of the British 
empire, while Georgia and Carolina became free states, 
were arrayed in opposition to each other. Hostilities, as 
usual among borderers of contendmg governments, were 
rendered more fierce, from the circumstance of contiguity. 
Throughout the war, parties from each reciprocally plunder- 
ed and harassed the other, ostensibly, on one side, for the 



222 ^ 

advancement of British, and on the other of American inte- 
rest ; but in both cases, for the private emolument of the ac- 
tors in these disgraceful scenes. 

When the English first landed in Carolina, it was occu- 
pied by more than twenty-eight nations or tribf-s of In- 
dians. Their aggregate numbers were so considerable, 
that had they been guided by a spirit of union, or ^lirected 
by a common council, they would have been able, at any 
time, for many years after the first settlement, to have ex- 
terminated the new comers.* 

The proprietors gave instructions to their tenants to cul- 
tivate the good will of the aborigines ; but such was the 
difference of habits, customs, and notions of right, between 
the civilized and savage man, that feuds, which were origi- 
nally private and personal, soon became public and national, 
and seldom failed to multiply and extend iheir tragical ef- 
fects. 

1680.] A war commenced in the begitming of the year 
16S0 with the Westoes, (a very powerful tribe located be- 
tween Charleston and Edisto,) which very nearly ruined 
the infant settlement. The cause of hostilities, thus incon- 
venient and dangerous, may be found in injuries which had 
been mutually inflicted. A peace was concluded during 
the subsequent year ; security being given, by the old, for 
the good conduct of the young. 

1703,] The next Indian war was an offensive one, on the 
"ipart of the Carolinians. The Apallachian Indians, by their 
connexion with the Spaniards, had become troublesome : 

* The Indians, in their military capacity, were not so far inferior 
to the whites as some raay imagine. The superiority of muskets over 
tows and arrows managed by (ndians in a woody country, is not great. 
The savage, quick-sighted, and accustomed to perpetual watchfulness, 
springs from his hiding place, behind a bush, upon his enemy, with 
the pointed arrow, before he is aware of danger. He ranges through 
the trackless forest like the beasts of prey, and safely sleeps under 
the same canopy with the wolf and bear. His vengeance is con- 
eeal6d till he sends the tidings in the fatal blow. 



■223 

Governor Moore, in 1702 or 1703, marched at the head of 
a body of white men and Indian allies, into the h<'art of their 
settlements. Wherever he went he carried fire and sword. 
He laid in ashes the towns of those tribes who lived be- 
tween the rivers Altamaha and Savimnah, captured many 
of the Indians, and. obliged others to submit to the English 
government. This exertion of power in that quarter lilled 
the savages with terror of the British arms, and helped to 
pave the way for the English colony afterwards planted be- 
tween these rivers. The governor received the thanks of 
the proprietors, and wiped off the stain of his fruitless expe- 
dition against St. Aus^ustine. 

The first serious war with the Indians, in which Carolina 
participated, took place in 1712, far to the north of Charles- 
ton. The powerful tribes of Indians called Gorees,Tuscaroras, 
and some others, united, and determined to murder or ex- 
pel the European invaders. They carried on their bloody 
design with such amazing cunning and profound secrecy, 
that in one fatal night 137 of the settlers fell a sacrifice to 
savage fury about Roanoke, A body of militia, consisting 
of 600 men under Col. Barnwell,, were by order of governor 
Craven and the assembly, marched against these Indians : 
218 Cherukees under the command of captains larford and 
Turston ; 79 Creeks, under Captain Hastings ; 41 Cataw- 
bas, under Captain Canty ; and 28 Yamassees, under cap- 
tain Pierce, being furnished with arms, joined the Carolini- 
ans in this expedition. Hideous and dreadful was the wil- 
derness through which Col. Barnwell had to maich. To 
reach North Carolina in time, for relief of the people, the 
utmost expedidon wa? requisite. It was neither possible 
for his men to carry with them a sufficient quantity of pro- 
visions, together with arms and aminunition, nor to have 
these provided at different stages by the way. There was 
no road through the woods, upon which either horses or 
Carriages could conveniently pass. His army had to en- 
counter all manner of hardships and dangers from the cli- 
matCj the wilderness, and the enemy. In spite of every 



224 

difliculty Col. Barnwell advanced, employing his Indian al- 
lies to hunt for provisions on the way. At length having 
come up to the enemy he attacked them with great execu- 
tion. In the first battle he killed three hundred Indians, and 
took about one hundred prisoners. After which the Tus- 
caroras retreated to their town, with a wooden breast work. 
There they surrendered ; many of them were killed, and 
the remainder forced to sue for peace. Some of our men 
being wounded, and otiiers having suffered much by watch- 
ing, hunger, and fatigue, the Indians easily obtained their 
request. In this expedition it was computed that Col. 
Barnwell killed, wounded, and captured near a thousand 
Tuscaroras. The survivors abandoned their country and 
joined a northern tribe of Indians on the Ohio river. Of Barn- 
well's prirty, five Carolinians were killed and several wound- 
ed ; if his Indians thirty- six were killed, and between sixty 
and seventy wounded. Never had any expedition against 
the savages in Carolina been attended with such difficul- 
ties ; nor had the conquest of any tribe of them ever been 
more complete. 

1715.] Three years after South Carolina was visited with 
an Indian war, so formidable as to threaten its total extirpa^^ 
tion. The numerous and powerful tribes of Indians, called 
Yamassees, were the most active in promoting this conspi- 
racy ; though every tribe in the vicinity was more or less 
concerned in it. The Yamassees pos^iessed a large terri- 
tory lying backward from Port Ro3?ai i land, on the north- 
east side of Savannah river ; which to this day is called 
Indian land. This tribe had long been esteemed by the 
Carolinians as friends and allies. They admitted a num- 
ber of traders into their towns, and several times had assisted 
the settlers in their warlike enterprises. 

On the 15th day of April, 1715, all were alarmed with 
the cries of war. The Yamassees were joined by the 
Creeks and Apallachians. The Carolinians had entertain- 
ed hopes of the friendship of the Congarees, the Catawbas, 
gnd Cherokees ; but soon, found that these nations had also 



225 

joined in the conspiracy, and declared for war : it was com- 
puted that the southern division of the enemy consisted of 
above 6000 bowmen, and the northern between 600 and 
1000. Every Indian tribe from Florida to Cape Fear 
river had joined in the confederacy, for the destruction of 
the settlement. 

When the muster roll was called in Charleston, there 
were no more than 1200 men, fit to bear arms. The gov- 
ernor proclaimed martial law, laid an embargo on all ships, 
and obtained an act of assembly, empowering him to im- 
press men, arms, ammunition, and stores, and to arm trusty 
negroes. Agents were sent to Virginia, and England, to 
solicit assistance — bills were stamped for the payment of 
the army, and other necessary expenses. Robert Daniel 
was appointed deputy-governor in town, and Charles Cra- 
ven, at the head of the militia, marched into the country^ 
against the largest body of Indians. 

Governor Craven advanced towards the enemy by slow 
and cautious steps. He knew well under what advan- 
tages they fought among their native thickets, and the 
various wiles and stratagems they made use of in conducting 
their wars ; and therefore vigilantly guarded against sudden 
surprises. The fate of the whole province depended on 
the issue of the contest. His men had no alternative but 
to conquer, or die a painful death. As he advanced, the 
straggling parties fled before him, until he reached Salt- 
catchers, where they had pitched their great camp. A 
bloody and decisive battle ensued. Bullets and arrows 
were discharged, with destructive effect, from behind trees 
and bushes. The Indians made the air resound with their 
horrid yells and war-whoop. They sometimes gave way^ 
but returned again and again with double fury to the com- 
bat : they at length however fled, and the governor kept: 
his troops close at their heels, chasing them from their 
/'settlements at Indian land, until he drove them over Sa- 
vannah river, and cleared the province entirely of this for- 
midable enemy. What number of his armv or of the 



226 

Indians were killed could not be ascertained ; but in this 
Indian war four hundred innocent inhabitants of Carolina 
were murdered. 

From this peri »d the Yamassee Indians harbored the 
Diost inveterate rancour against all Carolinians. Being 
i^uriiished with arms and ammunition by the Spaniards, 
they often sallied forth in small scalping parties and infest- 
ed the frontiers. Governor Ci^aven, at the head of a body 
of militia, fell in with a party of them near Stono ferry ; 
at the place where Lincoln, in June, 1779, attacked the 
Brittish troops under Prevost.— A general aciion took place 
^n which the Indians were entirely defeated. This was 
the last attempt of the Yamassees to disturb the white 
people to the southward of Charleston. 

A few years after the subjugation of the Yamassees, 
South Carolina became a royal province. 

[1752.] In the year 1753 South Carolina was nearly in- 
volved in another Indian war, but happily escaped. 

The war between France and England, which commen- 
ced in 1754, or 1753, induced both nations to court the 
friendship of the Indians. In the progress of the war the 
French were defeated in Canada, and compelled to abandon 
Fort Duquesne. This changed the scene of action from 
Pennsylvania and Virginia, to Carolina j and the influence 
of the French soon appeared among the upper tribes of 
Cherokees — an unfortunate quarrel with the Virginians 
helped to forward their designs. 

While the Indians were retreating home from that ex- 
pedition, through the back parts of Virginia, many of them, 
having lost their horses, took possession of such as came in 
their way. The Virginians, instead of asserting their 
rights in a legal manner, resented the injury by force of 
arms, and killed twelve or fourteen of these unsuspicious 
warriors. This excited the Cherokees to revenge, and the 
emissaries of France, among them, added fire to the flame ; 
the .young warriors rushed down upon the white inhabit- 



227 

ants, murdering and scalping all who came in their way.'^- 
1763,] In 1763, his Britannic majesty fixed the bounda- 
ries of the liuntins; lands of the In(iians, and forhid any set-* 
tlementsto extend further backward upon the Indian terri- 
tory, than the sources of those great rivers, vi hich fall into 
the Atlantic ocean. Plans of Lnity were likewise adopted 
by government nfterthis, with respect to the Indian tribes. 
The rpsnit of this policy in son.e degree justiii, d the hope 
entertained, that good would be produced thereby among 
them, till the revolutionfiry war commenced. At ttiis pe- 
riod the same ambiguous, cruel poliry, which had formerly 
led the Spaniards and French to het the Indians on the En- 
glish settlements, was then adopted by the Engns!i, against 
their own colonists ; even before they ha(i resolve<i on in- 
dependence. The same ruinous consequences followed. 
The poor, unfortunate, misled Indians, became once more 
the victims of their own folly, in suffering themselves t® 
be employed as tools tn forward the ambitious yiews of for- 
eign powers ; as will be hereafter explained. 

The Spaniards and Indians were ihe first, but not the 
only enemies of the infant settlement of South Caroli- 
na. When the early settlers had made head against both, 

* This trifling circumstance, of taking a few horses, produced a 
Siost ruinous war to 'he Cherokees, and was serioush linfortunate 
for South Carolina, without being advantageous or honorable to ihe 
contending parties. Nothing eventually vvas gained by either, and 
a great deal lost by both. A deadly hatred of the Cherokees to Car- 
olina continued ever afterwards to rankle their hearts. In about IS 
years it broke out, to the great distress of Carolina, in its revolution- 
ary war with Great Britain. The friendship ofthese Indians, howe- 
ver, might have been secured, if Governor Littleton, who governed 
the province at that time, had been more moderate in his demands. 
The governor had invited the Cherokee chiefs down to Charleston, 
to settle all differences relating to the affair of 1752, but he treated 
these with great disrespect, and broke his promise given them, that 
th^y should be permitted to return home without hurting a hair of 
their heads, instead of which he confined them in a miserable hut- 

E E 



228 

and raised merchantable commodities for exportation, they 
had little more than begun to ship the same, when they 
were deprived of the fruits of their labours by public rob- 
bers on the contiguous ocean. The wars, which raged in 
the close of the seventeenth and the beginning of the eigh- 
teenth century, made lamentable inroads on moral princi- 
ples. They filled the American seas with privateers, and 
afterwards with pirates. 

1705.] Early in the eighteenth century, the island of 
Providence became a receptacle for vagabonds, and villains 
of all nations. From this place of rendezvous a crew of 
desperate pirates had been accustomed to push out to sea^ 
and, in defiance of the laws of nations, to obstruct naviga- 
tion. The trade of Carolina, and that of the West Indies, 
suffered greatly from their depredations. From the year 
1717 to 1731, we have an account of between thirty and for- 
ty vessels, which had been taken on that coast. For five 
years, those lawless robbers reigned masters of the Gulf of 
Florida, plundering and taking ships of every nation. 
North Carolina had also become a refuge for these marau- 
ders : they carried their prizes into Cape Fear river, or 
Providence, as best suited their convenience. Their suc- 
cess induced bold and rapacious spirits to join them ; and 
in time they became so formidable, that considerable force 
was requisite to repress them. 

The rendezvous at Providence was, however, crushed as 
soon as discovered- — North Carolina still remained a lurking 
place for the pirates. Vane, who escaped from Providence, 
had taken two ships bound from Charleston to London. A 
pirate sloop of ten guns, commanded by Steed Bonnett, 
and another, commanded by Richard Worley, had taken 
possession of the mouth of Cape Fear river, which place 
was now the principal refuge of the pirates. Their station 
there was so convenient for blocking up the harbour of 
Charleston, t'lat the trade of the colony was greatly ob- 
structed. No sooner had one crew left the coast, than 
another appeared j so that scarcely one ship going out or 



229 



coming in escaped them. To check their insolence. Gov- 
ernor Johnson fitted out a ship of force, gave the command 
of it to William Rhett, and sent liim to sea for the protectioa 
of ti'ade. Rhett had scarcely got over the bar when Steed 
Bonnett espied him, and sensible of his inferiority, made 
for his refuge into Cape Fear river. Thither Rhett follow- 
ed him ; took the sloup, and brought the commander^ and 
about thirty men, to Charleston. Soon after this Governor 
Johnson embarked, and sailed in pursuit of the other sloop 
of six guns, commanded by Richard Wv)rley, which, after 
a desperate engagement, was also taken. The pirates fuught 
till they were all killed or wounded, except VVorley and 
another man, who even then refused to surrender until they 
were dangerously wounded. The governor brought these 
two men, together with their sloop, into Charleston, where 
they were instantly tried, condemned, and executed, to 
prevent their dying of their wounds. Steed Bormett and 
his crew were also tried and condemned. — With the excep" 
tion of one man, all, amounting nearly to forty, were 
hanged, and buried on White Point, below high water 
mark. 

1774.] The first military expedition v/hich took place 
subsequent to the dissolution of the royal authority, was 
the act of twelve persons, authorized by the council of safe- 
ty ; they sailed from Charleston for St. Augustine, and by 
surprise boarded and captured a vessel near the bar of that 
place ; though twelve British grenadiers were on board. 
The took out fifteen thousand pounds of powder, for which 
they gave a bill of exchange to the captain ; and having 
secured a safe retreat to themselves, by spiking the guns 
of the powder vessel, set sail for Charleston. Apprehend- 
ing that they should be pursued, they steered for Beaufort ; 
from that port they came by the inland navigation, and de- 
livesred their prize to the council of safety, whilst their pur- 
suers were looking for them at the bar of Charleston. 
This seasonable supply enabled the people of South Carolina 
to oblige their suffering brethren in MassachusettSj who, 



though immediately exposed to the British army, were in 
a great measure destitute of that necessary arricle of defence. 

The second miliiary enterprise was executed by Col. 
Motte. With a party of the new raised provincials he 
was ordered to take posscssi >n of Fort Johnson. Previous 
to their Ian ling on the isla'id, the royal troops had disman- 
tied the fort, and dismouate i the guns. On the following 
night captain Heywar 1, with thirtv-five of the Charleston 
artillery, landed at the fort ; and notwithstanding an inces- 
sant rain, had three guns ready foi action before the dawn- 
ing of day. The officers of the Cherokee and Tamar men 
of ^.var, then in the harbour, discovered a strong inclination 
to fire upon the fort, but for prudent reasons desisted from 
the attempt. 

1775.] The commencement of hostilities in South 
Carolina took place November 12, 1775, by the Tamar and 
Cherokee royal armed vessels. They began a heavy cannon- 
ade upon the schooner Defence, captain Tufis, who was or- 
dered to cover and protect the sinking of a number of hulks 
across the passage through Hog Island channel. The in- 
habitants were alarmed, expecting that the town, in its de- 
fenceless state, would be fired upon ; but about sun rise, 
both vessels dropped down to their mooring in Rebellion 
Road, without having done any material injury, either to 
the schooner or any of her crew. The Defence returned 
a few shots, but they were equally ineffectual This was 
the first ivert act of hostilities in South Carolina. 

In order to dislodge these royal armed vessels, and drive 
them out to sea, Col. Moui'rie, with a party, took posses- 
sion of Haddrill's Point, and mounted a few pieces of heavy 
artillery, on some slight works. A few well-directed shot 
froH) this post induced the commanders of the Cherokee 
and Tamar to put out to sea. The harbor and road being 
clear, the council of safety proceeded their plans of defence. 
They completed the fortifications at Haddrill's Point and 
at Fort Johnson ; cpntinued a chain of fortifications in front 
»f the town, both to the eastward and southward, an^i 



231 

erected a new fort on James Island, to the westward of Port 
Johnson, and a very strong one on Sullivan's Island. The 
militia were diligently trained ; the provincial troops were 
disciplined ; and every preparation made to defend the 
colony. 

1776.] The first blood spilt in defence of liberty and 
rights in South Carolina, was on the memorable 2^sth of 
June, 1776, when an attack was made upon Fort Moultrie 
on Sullivan's Island.* 

The particulars of this momentous battle are as follows: — 
In the close of the year 1775, and the beginning of the 
year 1776, great preparations had been made in Great Bri- 
tain to invade the American colonies, with a force sufficient 
to compel submission. With this view, early in 1776, 
upwards of fifty thousand men were employed in active 
operations against America. Part of this force was order- 
ed to the southward, to carry into effect, in that quarter, 
the designs of the British ministry. In South Carolina 
every exertion had heen made to put the province, especi- 
ally its capital, in a respectable posture of defence. x\s one 
mean conducing thereto, the popular leaders had erected 
works on Sullivan's Island. This was a very convenient 
post for annoying ships approaching the town. At the 
time theBritish fleet appeared off the coast,about twenty-six 
heavy cannon, eighteen and nine pounders, were mounted 
on Sullivan's Island, on a fort constructed with palmetto. 

On the first of June, i776, advices were received in. 

* The importance of this battle to the American cause was incal- 
culable : the result of it, highly honorable to the defenders , and dis- 
astrous to the royal navy It was here that the British navy met its 
first defeat in America, and with severe loss to it. This noble ex- 
ploit, with its actors, merits the perpetual gratitude of the country; 
their names should be recorded in imperishable letters, to be read 
and admired by a gratefnl posterity. 

This single act of heroic defence against the British navy, then the 
terror of the world, gave undisturbed peace to South Carolina for 
three years ; that is, from June 1776, to May 1779. Such are the 
Tuita of vigor. 



232 

Charleston, that a fleet of forty or fifty sail were at anchor 
about six leagues to the northward of Sullivan's Island. The 
next day th(; alarm was given, and expresses sent to the 
officers commanding the militia in the country, to repair 
to Charleston. In a few days after, several hundreds of 
the troops from the British fleet were landed on Long; Isl- 
and. (This is situated to the eastward of Sullivan'slsiand, 
and separated from it by a creek.) On the 4th of June, 
thirty-six of the transports crossed the bar, in front of Re- 
bellion Road, and anchored about three miles from Sulli- 
van's Island ; two of them ran aground in crossing, one of 
which got ofi", but the other went to pieces. On the iOth 
of June, the Bristol, a fifty gun ship, her guns being previ- 
ously taken out, got safely over. About this time a procla- 
mation was sent ashore, under the sanction of a flag, in 
which the British general. Sir Henry Clinton, promised 
pardon to the inhabitants in case of their laying down their 
arms, and quietly submitting to the re-establishment of the 
royal government. This produced none of the effects ex- 
pected from it. The militia of the country repaired in 
great numbers to Charleston. The regular regiments of 
the adjacent northern states, having been ordered to the as- 
sistance of their southern neighbours, arrived at this criti- 
cal juncture. The two continental general ofScers, Arm- 
strong and Howe, came about the same time. The whole 
put under the orders of Major General Lee. In a few days 
the Americans, including the militia of the town and coun- 
try, amounted to five or six thousand men. The first 
South Carolina regular regiment, commanded by Colonel 
Gadsden, was stationed at Fort Johnson. (This is situated 
about three miles from Charleston, on the most northerly 
point of James Island, and is within point blank shot of the 
channel.) The second and third regular regiments of 
South Carolina, commanded by Colonels Moultrie and 
Thompson, occupied the two extremities of Sullivan's Isl- 
and. The other forces had their posts assigned them at 
Haddrill's Point, James Island, and along the bay in front 



23S 

of the town. The streets near the water were in difierent 
places strongly barricaded. The stores on the wharves were 
pulled down, and lines of defence were continued along the 
water's edge. Domestic conveniencies were exchanged 
for blankets and knapsacks, and hoes and spades were in 
the hands of every citizen. In a few days, by their labor, 
in conjunction with a number of negroes, such obstructions 
were thrown in the way as would have greatly embarrass- 
ed the royal army, attempting to land in the town. 

On the 25thj the Experiment, a fifty gun ship, arrived 
near the bar ; and on the 26th, her guns being previously 
taken out, she got safely over. 

On the 28th, the fort on the island was briskly attacked 
by the two fifty gun ships, Bristol and Experiment ; four 
frigates, the Active, Acteon, Solebay, and Syren, each of 
twenty-eight guns ; the Sphynx of twenty guns, Ranger 
sloop and Thunder Bomb, each of eight guns. Between 
ten and eleven o'clock the Thunder Bomb began to throw 
shells, and the Active, Bristol, Experiment, and Solebayj 
came boldly on to the attack. A little before eleven o'clock 
the garrison fired four or five §hots at the Active, while 
under sail. When she came near the fort she dropped 
anchor, and poured in a broadside. Her example was 
followed by the three other vessels, and a most tremen- 
dous cannonade ensued. The Thunder Bomb, after 
having thrown about sixty shells, was so damaged as to 
be incapacitated from firing. Col. Moultrie, with three 
hundred and forty-four regulars, and a few volunteer mi" 
litia, made a defence that would have done honor to ex= 
perienced veterans. During the engagement the inhabit- 
ants stood with arms in their hands at their respective 
posts, prepared to receive the British wherever they might 
land. Impressed with high ideas of British bravery, and 
diffident of the maiden courage of their own new troops^ 
t'hey were apprehensive that the forts would either be si- 
lenced or passed, and that they should be called to imme- 
diate action. The various passions of the mind assumed al- 



2S4 

ternatesway, and marked their countenances with anxious 
fears or cheerful hopes. Their resolution was fixed to 
meet the invaders at the water's edge, and dispute every 
inch of ground, ^trusting the event to heaven, and prefer- 
ring death to slavery. 

General Clinton was to have passed over to Sullivan's 
Island with the troops under his command on Long Island ; 
but the extreme danger to which he must unavoidably have 
exposed his men induced him to decline the perilous at- 
tempt. Colonel Thompson, with seven hundred men, an 
eighteen pounder, and a field-piece, were stationed at the 
east end of Sullivan's Island to oppose their crossing ; but 
no serious attempt to land on Sullivan's Island was made, 
either from the fleet or by the detachm* nt on Long Island, 
The Sphynx, Acteon, and Syren, were sent round to attack 
the western extremity of the fort. This was so unfinish- 
ed as to afford very imperfect cover to the men at the guns 
in that part, and also so situated as to expose the men in the 
other parts of the fort to a very dangerous cross fire. 
Providence, on this occasion, remarkably interposed in be- 
half of the garrison, and saved them from a fate that, in all 
probability, would otherv^ isc have been inevitable. About 
twelve o'clock, as the three last mentioned ships were ad- 
vancing to attack the western wing of the fort, th<y ail got 
entangled with a shoal, called the Middle Ground ; two of 
them ran foul of each other. The Acteon stuck fast. The 
Sphynx, before she cleared herself, lost her bowsprit ; but 
the Syren got off without much injury. The ships in front 
of the fort kept up their fire till near seven o'clock in the 
evening without intermission ; after that time it slackened. 
At half past nine the firing on both sides ceased ; and at 
eleven the ships slipped their cables. Next morning all 
the men of war, except the Actton, had retired about two 
miles from the island. The garrison fired several shots at 
the Acteon ; she at first returned them, but soon after the 
crew set her on fire, and abandoned her ; leaving her colors 
flying, guns loaded, and all her ammunition and stores. 



Zoo 

She was in a short time hoarded by a party of Americans, 
commanded by Capt. Jacob Milligan. Whila flames were 
burstins^ out on all sides they fired three of her guns at the 
commodore, an I then qnitled her. In less than half an 
hour after 1 heir departure she blew up. The Bristol had 
forty men killed and seventy-one wounded. Every man 
who was stationed in the bejiinning of the action on her 
quarter deck, was either killer! or wounded. Lord William 
Campbell the late governor of the province, who, as a vo- 
lunteer had exposed himself in a post of danger, received a 
wound, which ultimately proved mortal. The fire of the 
fort svas principally directed against the Bristol and Expe- 
riment ; and they suffered very much in their hulls, masts, 
and rigging. Not less than seventy balls went through the 
former. The Acteon had Lieut. Pike killed, and six men 
Tvounded. The Solebay hal eight men wounded. After 
some days the troops were all re-embarked, and the whole 
sailed for New York. 

The loss of the garrison was ten men killed and twenty- 
two wounded. Lieutenants Kail aad Gray were among 
the latter. Though there were many thousand shots fired 
from the shipping, yet the v^.irks were little damaged ; 
those which struck the fort were ineffectually buried in its 
soft wood. Hardly a hut or tree on the island escaped. 

When the British appeared off the coast there was so 
scanty a stock of lead, that to supply the musketry with 
bullets it became necessary to strip the windows of the 
dwelling houses m Charleston of their weights. Powder 
was also very scarce. The proportion allotted for the de- 
fence of the fort was but barely sufficient for slow firing. 
This was expended with great deliberation. The officers in 
their turn pointed the guns, and with so much exactness that 
most of their shot took effect. In the beginning of the 
action their flag-staff was shot away. Sergeant Jasper of 
the /grenadiers immediately jumped on the beach, took up 
the flag and fastened it on a sponge- staff. With it in his 



236 

hand he mounted the merlon, and though the ships were 
directing their incf?sa;ii broadsides at the spot, he delibe- 
rately fixed it, The day after the action president Rutledge 
presented him with a swoi d, as a mark of respect for his 
distinguished va or. Sergi ant McDonald, of captain Hu- 
ger's company, vas mortally wounded by a cannoti ball. 
He employed the short interval between his wound and 
his death, in exh rting his comrades to coiiiinue steady in 
the cause of liberty and their coun try.* 

Almost at the same mo nent this attack was made on Sul- 
livan's Island, the Cherokees, excited; by British e vissa- 
ries, began their massacres on our defenceless frontiers. 
A very extensive plan, for a simultaneous attack of the 
British, tories, and Indians, from the sea-coast to the 
mountains, was provide ntially detected by the capture of 
the vessel which was carrying Kirkiand (a leader of the 
party) to Boston with despatches. 

These massacres by the Indians caused a general alarm j 
the inhabitants w^ere for the most part destitute of arms, and 
government could aff'rd them no supply : su general v/as 
the panic, that Col. Wiiliamsori, who was charged with the 
defence of the upper country, could not collect, in sixteen 
days, 500 men. 

An engagement took place on the 15th of July, between 
a party of Indians and tori< s, and a party of miliiia com- 
manded by Maj. Downs. The formiT were defeated 
and fled. They wen pursued, and thirteen of their number 
feeing taken, were f u id to he white men painted like In- 
dians. Intelligence of the repulse of the British at Sulli- 
van's island on the 3sth of June, arrived in the back coun- 
try at this critical time, and pro^'uced very happy effects. 
The tories were intimidated, and the inhabitants turne;! out 
with so much alacrity, that Williamson soon found himself 
lit the head of 1150 men. VViih 330 horsemen he advanc- 

"* There are three of these brave defenders of Fort Moultrie still 



237 

ed to attack a party of tories and Indians, which was eil^ 
camped at Oconee Creek. On his way he was attacked 
both in front and flank by IndiaMS, who had formed an am- 
bu!<cadp, and from it k p up a constant fire ; Williannson's 
horse was sliot und( r him ; Salvador !ell hy his side, anf! his 
whole party was thrown into dis; rder. CoL Le Roy Ham- 
mond rallied about twenty nien, and dine ii.g ihem to re" 
serve their fire, marched rai idly with ihem to the fence, 
behind which ihf Indians were covered, fired upon them, 
and immediately jum|)ed over and charg;ed« The Indians 
fled from ihe approaching ba} onet. Williamson burned 
the Indian town on the east side of Keowee river, but his 
men could not be induced to pass the river till Col. Flam- 
moiid crossed before them. They then followed, and with-^ 
out delay destroyed all the houses and provisions they could 
find. Williamson returned to his main body, and advan^ 
eed with them to Eighteen Mile Creek, where he encamped 
on the 2d of August. Ashe advanced he sent oflf detach- 
ments to lay waste the Indian settlements ; by the ISth 
they completed the destiuction of all their lower towns. 

On the 13th of September, Williamson, with an army of 
2000 men, partly regulars and pardy miliia, marched int® 
the country of the Cherokecs, whose warriors were said to 
be equally numerous. The invaders again fell into an am- 
buscade. They entered a narrow valley enclosed on each 
side by mountains. Twelve hundred Indians occupied 
these heights, and from them poured in a constant and well 
directed fire. Detachments were ordered to file off and 
gain the eminences above the Indians, and to turn their 
flanks. Others, whose guns were loaded, received orders 
from Lieutenant Richard Hampton to advance, and after 
discharging, to fall down and load. The Indians being 
hard pressed betook themselves )o flight.® The army 
proceeded without farther interruption, and on the 23d of 

* Lieut. Hampton behaved nobly on this occasion, and had the 
good fortune of taking the Indian who was suspected of being the 
murderer othis brother, as he had the coiit of his deceased brother m?> 



23B 

September arrived in the valleys. Penetrating through 
them they destroyed whatever came in their way. All 
the Cherokee settlements to the eastward of the Apallichian 
mountains were so rapidly laid waste, that the business of 
destruction ^ as completed, and Williamson's army disban- 
ded early in October. Above 500 of the Cherokees were 
obliged, by their distress- for v\ ant of provisions, to take 
refuge with John Stuart, in West Florida, where they were 
fed at the expense of the British government. The Indian 
settlemicnts to the northvv'ard, were at the same time invad- 
ed by a party of Virginia militia, commanded by Col. 
Christie, and 1900 North Carolina militia, commanded by 
Gen. Rutherford; and to the southward by the Georgia 
militia, commanded by Col. Jacks. Dismal was the wil- 
derness through which the Americans had to pass. Their 
route was over pathless mountains, whose ascents were so 
steep that they could not be scaled without serious danger. 
At other times they had to march, through thickets, so im- 
penetrable, that the rays of the sun scarcely ever reached 
the surface of the earth. They were incessantly occupied 
for five days in advancing tvirenty-five miles. Notwith- 
standing all these fatigues, not one died of disease, and only 
one v/as so sick as to be unable to march. 

The unfortunate misled Indians, finding themselves at- 
tacked on all sides, sued in the most submissive terms for 
peace. They had not the wisdom to shun war, nor the 
cunning to make a proper choice of the party with whom 
to make a common cause. About fifteen years before, by 
taking part with the French, they had brought on themselves 
a severe chastisement from the British and Americans. 
At this time, in consequence of joining the Britisli and the 
lories, their country was laid waste, and their provisions 
so far destroyed as to be insufficient for their support. And 
they were compelled, as aconquered people, to cede to South 
Carolina all their lands to the eastward of the Unacaye 
mountains, which now form the populous and flourishing 
districts of Pendleton and Greenville. These former lords 



■239 

of the soil were after this cooped up in a nook in the south- 
west angle of South Carolina, though the best part of that 
portion of the state was, about sixty years ago, their exclu- 
sive property. * To preserve peace and good order, a fort 
called Fort Rutledge was erected at Seneca, and garrisoned 
by two independent companies. A friendly intercourse 
between the Indians and white inhabitants took piace^ and 
every thing remained quiet till the year 1780. 

None of all the expeditions before undertaken against the 
Indians had been so successful as this first effort of the new- 
born commonwealth. In less than three months the busi- 
ness was completed, and the nation of the Cherokees S'> far 
subdued, as to be incapable of annoying the settlements. 
The loss of the Americans in the expedition was thirty- 
three killed, and seventy-two wounded. The Cherokees 
lost about 2u0 men. 

This attempt of the British to excite the Indians to mas- 
sacre the defenceless frontier settlers, increased the unani- 
mity of the inhabitants, and invigorated their opposition to 
Great Britain. 

For two years after this period South Carolina felt very 
few of the inconveniencies which were then grinding their 
brethren to the north — but in 1 778 the British inverted their 
plan of warfare,and began their attacks south. The north- 
ern states, in their turn, obtained a diminution of their ca- 
lamities, while South Carolina, and the adjacent settlements, 
became the principal theatre of offensiv_e operations. 

1779.] Major Gen. Lincoln was appointeti byCongresst© 
take command of all the forces to the southward. This 
officer was second in command in the campaign of i777j 
when Gen. Burgoyne and his army surrendered to Gen. 
Gates. He brought to the south great reputation ; and 
there, though under many disadvantages, acquired the fur- 
ther honor of checking the British conquests, and preserv- 
/ 

* This last tract of country was about the year 1817 purchased of 
the Indians, who have retired altogether out of the state. 



240 

i'ng the state for upwards of fifteen months against a superi- 
or enemy. His plans were well formed, but his little ar- 
my, mostly consisting of militia, was not able to contend 
with superior numbers, and the discipline of British regular 
troops. The cuntinentals, under his command, did not 
exceed 600 men, and all the rest of his force was made up 
of draughts upon the inhabitants of the country, changed 
every second or third month. Gen. Lincoln established 
his first post at Perrysburg, a small villai;e on the northern 
bank^ of Savannah river. A large proportion of the mili- 
tia of the state was draughted, put under the consmaisd of 
Colonel Richardson, and marched for the American head 
quarters. 

As the British extended their posts up the Savannah on 
the south siiie, General Lincoln fix^d his encampments at 
Blacii Swamp, and opposite to Augusta ; from these posts 
he crossed the river at Augusta and at Lubly's Ferry, in 
two divisions, with the view of limiting the British to the 
sea coast of Ge rgia. In the execution of this design .Gen. 
Asi', with 1 500 North Carolina militia and a few Georgia 
continentals, crossed the Savannah on the 28th of February, 
1779 ; and immediately marched down the country, as far 
as Briar Creek, at which place, on the fourth day after his 
crossing, he was surpiised at three o'clock in the afternoon, 
by Lieut. Col. Prevost, and defeated. — But 450 of this 
army rejomed the American camp.* 

Charleston, soon after this disaster, was placed in an 
awkward predicament. Gen. Prevost crossed Ashley river 
on the llth of May, and in a few hours appeared before 
the lines. His force was 2000 men, though only 900 cross- 
ed the ferry. When Prevost crossed the Savannah river, 
a few days previous, Charleston Neck was almost wh.oUy 
defenceless; an invasion on the land side by an enemy, 

* The inexperience of the Americans in the art of war, subjected 
them very often, in the early part of the revolution, to reverses of 
fortune ; they had to learn, by repeated misfortunes, the necessity of 
subordination, and the advantages of discipline. 



241 

marching through the country, was an event so unexpect- 
ed that no proper provision had been made asjainst it. In 
this short interval Leatenant Governor Bee, and the gen- 
tlemen of the council, made the gnat^st exertions to fortify 
the town on the land side. All the houses in the suburbs 
were burnt. Lines, and an abatis, were in a few days car- 
ried from Ashley to Cooper rivers Ca^mon were mounted 
at proper intervals, across the whole extent of Charleston 
Neck. 

The militia in the vicinity were summoned to the defence 
of Ci)arleston, and they generally obeyed. Public affairs, 
now appeared in a very singular situation Lincoln was 
marching unmolested towards the apital of Georgia, while 
Prevost was advancing with as little interruption towards 
the capital of South Carolina. The hurry and confusion 
that prevailed in the state, and particularly in CharlestoHp 
esceeded all description. The whole country seemed to 
be in motion. In the north, the militia were pushing for 
the capital. In the south, no less than five armies were at 
the same time, but for very different purposes, marching 
through the sUte. Gen. Moultrie, with a force originally 
1200, but daily diminishing, was retreating before Gen. 
Prevost at the head of a British army of 2000 men. Gen. 
Lincoln, vv^ith an American army of 4090 men, having re- 
crossed Savannah river, was in the rear of Prevost, pursu» 
ing him with hasty strides, to save Charleston; while 
governor Rutledge, with 600 militiamen, and Col. Hirris, 
with a detachment of 250 continental troops, were both 
hastening, the one from Or^ingeburg, and the other from 
the vicinity of Augusta, to get in front of Prevost ; and 
either to reinforce Moultrie, or defend the capital, as cir-. 
cumstances might require. Moultrie, Rutledge, and Har- 
ris, with their respective commands, all reached Charleston 
on the 9th and 10th of May ; the last having marched nearly 
f6rty miles a day for four days successively. Their arrr-alj, 
together with that of the militia from the northern parts ©C 
the state, gave hopes of a successful defence^ 



.242 

On the Sth, Count Pulaski, with his cavalry, entered the 
town ; his infantry came in on the 11th from the opposite 
side of tlie town that Prevost approached it. On the same 
day that the enemy appeared before the town Count Pulaski 
paraded his l<'gion, in number about 125, and some militia, 
and attacked the advance of the British troops a little be- 
yond she old race srround, in sight of our advanced guard. 
He displayed the greatest gallantry, but was overpowered. 
In the contest he lost his colonel, Kowatch. 

To gain time, so that Gen Lincoln might be enabled to 
reach ChMrlcston wilh his army, a parley with the British 
commander took place ; but as none of the terms offered 
by Prevost could be accepted, preparations were made for 
sustaining an immediate assault. The inhabitants, with the 
regular troops, were determined to stand to the lines and 
defend their country. The next ni(»rnii)g, the 13th, at day- 
light, to the great joy of the <vho!e garrison, it was resound- 
ed along the lines, ''the enemy is gone." They began 
their retreat, it was supjjosed, immediately after the ter- 
mination of the conference, and were restrained from mak- 
ing the threatened assault by intelligence derived from an 
intercepted letter from Lincoln, about 50 miles distant, to 
Moultrie in Charleston, which was dated May 10th, and 
concluded thus, " Pray stimulate your people to every ex- 
ertion for the defence of the town, until the troops here 
can arrive ; our men are full of spirits ; I think they will 
do honor to themselves and render service to the public. 
Do not give up, nor suffer the people to despair," 

The gallant Count Pulaski witli his cavalry pursued the 
British, but they had crossed Ashley river before he came 
to it. 

1779.] On the 20th of June, a battle was fought at Stone 
Ferry, where the British were strongly fortified, having 
three redoubts, with a line of communication, and field- 
pieces very advantageously posted ; the intervals secured 
with an abatis. The American army consisted of about 
|S00 merijthe British force of 6 or 700. The result proved 



243 

manifestly in fayour of the Americans ; but the British 
being reinforced made a retreat necessary : the loss of the 
Americans on this occasion, in killed and wounded, was 
150 ; among: the former was the gallant Col. Roberts, whos^ 
superior abilities as an artillery officer commanded the ap- 
probation of his countrymen, and rendered his early fall 
the subject of universal regret. 

This incursion of the British into South Carolina, and 
subsequ nt retreat, contributed very little to the advance- 
ment of the royal cause, but it added much to the wealth of 
the officers, soldiers,antl followers of the British army, and 
still more to the distresses of the inhabitants. The British 
canied with them several rice barrels full of plate, and 
whjt they could not take away they destroyed. They took 
out of the state besides, it is supposed, about three thousand 
slaves. 

Early in September following the French fleet under 
Count D'Estaing, consisti g of twenty sail of the line, two 
of 50 guns and eleven frigates, arrived off the coast, desti- 
ned for the siege of Savannah ; Gen. Lincoln, with the 
army under his command, m irched for that place, and or- 
ders were issued for th^ miiida of Georgia and South 
Carolina to rendezvous there also. 

The fall of Savannah was considered as certain ; and the 
military, flushed with the romantic hope, turned out with 
readiness. The landing of the French troops was not ef- 
fected until the lith of September, and on the 16th Sa- 
vannah was summoned to surrender. The garrison re" 
quested twenty-four hours to consider an answer, which 
was granted. This delay was fatal to the Americans. It 
gave an opportunity to the enemy to collect his forces, which 
eventually obliged the besiegers, after several unsuccessful 
attempts to carry the works, to raise the siege. 

On the 23d of September the French and Americans 
broke ground. On the 4th of October they opened with 
aine mortars and^thirty-seven pieces of cannon,from the land 



244 

side, aad sixteen pieces from the water. The^ie fontinued 
to play,with short intervals, for four or five days, but with- 
out any considerable eifect. 

1779.] The morning of the 9th was fixed upon for the 
attack. Two feints were made 'vith the country militia : 
and a real attack on the Spriniaj-Hill battery with 25G0 
French troops, 600 continental-i, and 350 of the Charleston 
militia, led by Count D'Estaing; and Gen. Lincoln. They 
marched up to the lines with great boldf)ess ; but a heavy 
and well directed fire from the batteries, and a cross fire 
from the galleys, did such execution as threw the front 
column into corifusion. A general retreat of the assailants 
took place, after they had stood the enemy's fire for fifty- 
five minutes. Count D'Estaing received two wounds; 
637 of his troops, and 357 continentals were killed or 
wounded : of the 350 Charleston militia, who were in the 
hottest of the fire, six were wounded, and Capt Shepherd 
killed. The force of the garrison was between two and 
three thousand, of which about 150 were militia. The 
damage sustained by the besieged was trifling, as they fired 
under cover, and few of the assailants fired at all Imme- 
diately after this unsuccessful assault, the militia almost 
universally went to their homes. Count D'Estaing re-em- 
barked his troops, artillery and baggage, and left the con- 
tinent. General Lincoln's army marched to Ch^irles^on.* 

Thus ended the campaign of 1779, without any thing de- 
cisive being effected on either side. 

* Some gallant acts, displaying individual courage, occurred dur- 
jng'this siege. Among a number, the following is related: — On the 
third day after the action, the lady of Colonel Bernard Elliott present- 
ed an elegant pair of colors to the second regiment, which had so 
bravely defended Fort Moultrie. Her address on the occasion con- 
cluded thus : "I make not the least doubt,under heaven's protection, 
you will stand by these colors as long as they wave in the air of lib- 
erty." In reply a promise was made, "that they should be honorably 
supported, and never should be tarnished by the second regiment. 
I'his engagement was literally fulfilled. Three years after they 



245 

The most trying period to South Carolina, was now ap- 
proaching. No sooner was the depaiture of the French, 
fleet from the coast of America known at New-York, than 
Sir Henry Clinton set on foot a o;rand expedition against 
Charleston. Unfortunately for Carolin;i, the most formida- 
ble attack was made on her capital, at a time when she was 
least able to defend it. A< this important juncture, when 
the public service needed the largest supplies, the paper 
bills of credit were of the least value. To a want of money 
was added a want of men. The militia were exhausted 
with an uninterrupted continuance of hard duty. The win- 
ter, to others, a time of repose, had been to them a season for 
the most active exertions. The dread of the small-pox^ 
which, after seventeen years absence, was known to be in 
Charleston, discouraged many from repairing to the defence 
of the capital. The six continental re2;iments on the South 
Carolina establishment, in the year .777, consisted of ^400 
men; but in the year 1780, they were so much reduced by 
death, desertion, battles, and the expiration of their terms 
of service, that they did not exceed 800 The repulse at 
Savannah impressed the inhabitants with high ideas of the 
power of Britain. The impossibilitv of a retreat from aa 
invested town, created in many an aversion to lines and 
ramparts. The North Carolina and Virginia continentals, 
amounting to L500 men, also two frigates,a twenty gun ship, 
and a sloop of war, were ordered from the northward 
for the defence of Charleston. This was all the aid that 
could be expected from Congress. The resolution was 

were planted on the British lines at Savannah — One by Lieutenant 
Bush, who was immediately shot down: Lieut. Home, in the act 
of planting his, was also shot down ; and Li6ut. Gray, in supporting 
them, received a mortal wound. The brave serjeant Jasper, on see- 
ing ^ieut. Hume fall, took up the color, and planted it. In doing so 
he received a wound which terpiinated in death ; but on the retreat 
being ordered he brought the colors off with him. These were after- 
wards taken at the fall of Charleston, and are said to be now in the 
tower of London. 



^46 

nevertheless unanimously taken, in a full house of assemblyj 
to defend the town to the last extremity. 

This resolution was carried literally in<o effect ; though 
opposed on land by a numerous and well disciplined army, 
commanded by a cautious uid experienced sjeneral, and on 
water by a formidable fl^'et. consisting of one ship of fifty 
guiis, two of forty-four each, and four of thirty-two guns 
each, besides an armed ship; fo oppose which the Ameri- 
cans only had one frigate of forty-four guns, two of thirty- 
two, a sloop of war of twenty eight, two of twenty each, 
and one of sixteen guns. Commodore Whipple, who com- 
mand'-d the American force, considered it most prudent to 
transfer the crews and guns of all his ves els, except one, 
to the shore, to reinforce the batteries The wind favoring 
the British fleet, they passed fort Moultrie without engag- 
ing it ; but Col. Pinckney, who commanded on Sullivan's 
Island, with 300-^ men, kept up a brisk and severe fire on. 
the ships in their passage ; two hundred and seventeen sea- 
men were thereby killed or wounded, and the ships gener- 
ally were damaged. The royal fleet came to anchor, in 
about two hours, near the remains of Fort Johnson, on 
James Island, within long shot of the to vn batteries. To 
prevent their running up Cooper River, from which they 
might have enfiladed the lines, was the next object. With 
this intention eleven vessels had been sunk in the channel 
opposite to the Exchange. The Ranger frigate and two gal- 
leys were stationed to the northward of it, to co-operate 
with the batteries on shore in defending these obstructions, 
and to attack any armed vessels that might force a passage 
through Hog Island cham-iel. 

Though the greatest exertions had been made by the 
gentleinen in power, to reinforce the garrison, and to 
strengthen the lines, yet their endeavors were not secnnled 
by the people. No more country militia c -aid be brought 
into the town, and very few could be persuaded to embody 
in the country. Seven hundred continentals, commanded 
by General Woodford, who had marched five hundred 



247 

miles in twenty-eight days, arrived in Charleston on the- 
10th of April, This was the only reinfovcemenl the gar- 
rison received during the siege, though the comrrunication. 
between the town and country was open until the middle of 
April. 

The fire of the besiegers soon discovered itself to be much 
superior to that of the besieged. The f rmer had the advan- 
tage of twenty-one mortars and royals : the latter only of 
one. 

1780.] In the mean time the British lines of approach 
advanced with such rapidity, that the second parallel, at the 
distance of 300 yards, was completed in twenty, days from 
the time the enemy first bmke ground. On the 11th of 
May the British crossed the wet ditch by sap, and advanc- 
ed within twenty-five yards of the lines of the besiea;ed. 
On this day petitions were presetited from a great majority 
of the inhabitants, and of the countiy militia, praying Gen- 
Lincoln to accede to the terms offered by .Sir Henry Clin- 
ton. Under these circumstances Lincoln found it necessa- 
ry to assent to the articles as proposed, without any confer- 
ence or explanation. 

This was the first instance in the Am.erican war, of an 
attempt to defend a town ; and the unsuccessful event, with 
its consequences, makts it prob »ble that if this method had 
been generally adopted, the independence of America could 
not have been so easily sui^ported. 

Great praise vvas due to Gen. Lincoln for his judicious 
and spirited conduct in baffling, for three months, the great- 
ly superior force of Sir Henry Clin ton, and Admiral Arbuth- 
not. Though Charleston and the southern army were 
lost, yet, by their long protracted defence the British plans 
were not only reta)-ded, but dera ged ; anfl North Caroli=^ 
na, as will here^ifter be made evident, was saved for the re^ 
mainder of the year 1780. 

The return of prisoners, transmitted by Sir Henry 
Clinton on the surrender of Charleston, was very large. 
It comprehended every adult freeman of the town, between 



two and three thousand sailors, who had been taken from 
the shipping and put into the batteries, and the militia of 
both Carolinas, then in garrison. These swelled the num- 
ber to upwards of 5000, and afforded ample materials for a 
splendid account of th*^ importance of the conquest; but the 
real number of the privates of the continental army was 
1977 ; and of these 500 were in the hospitals. The num- 
ber of captive officers was also great. During the thirty days 
of the siege, only twenty American soldiers deserted. The 
militia and sailors were stationed in those batteries wi^ich 
were not much exposed, and therefore they suffered very 
little. Of the continentals who manned the lines in front 
of the besiegers, eighty -nine were killed, and one hundred 
and thirty-eight vvounded : among the former were Col. 
Parker, an officer who had distinguished himself by his 
gallantry and good conduct, and Capt. Peyton, both of the 
Virginia line ; Philip Neyle, aid-de-camp to Gen. Moultrie, 
Captains Mitchell and Templeton, and Lieut. Gilbank. 
The Charleston militia artillery, who were stationed at the 
lines, and did equal duty with the continentals, had three 
men killed, adjutant Warham, and seven privates wounded; 
about twenty of the inhabitants who remained in their houses 
were killed by random shots in the town. Upwards of 
thirty houses were burnt, and many others greatly damag- 
ed. 

After the British took possession of the town, the arms 
taken from the army and inhabitants,amounting to about five 
thousand, were lodged in a laboratory near a large quantity of 
cartridges and of loose powder. By th ■ imprudence of the 
guard, in snapping the guns and pistols, this powder took 
iire,blew up the house,dispersed the burning fragments of it, 
which set fire to and destroyed the work-house,the goal, and 
the old barracks. The British guard, consistiiig of fifty men, 
stationed at this place, were destroyed, and their mangled bo- 
dies dashed by the violent explosion against the neighbor- 
ing houses in Archdale-street. Several persons in the vi- 
cinity shared the same fate. Manv of the fire-arms were 



i249 

loaded ; they, with the cartridges, going o% sent the ia- 
struments of death in all directions. Upwards of a hun- 
dred persons lost their lives on this occasion. 

During the occupation of Charleston, the British cavalry 
under Lieut. Col. Tarleton was scouring the country. On 
the {8th of March, 1780, a detachment from his corps sur- 
prised a party of American militia, about eighty in number, 
at Saltcatcher bridge, killed and wounded several of them, 
and dispersed the remainder. Five days after, Lieut. Col. 
Tarleton, with his legion, fell iu with another small party of 
mounted militia, near Poupon, who immediately retreated. 
In the pursuit three were killed, one wounded, and four 
taken prisoners. His next rencounter was on the 27th, 
with Lieut. Col. Washington at the head of his regular 
corps of horse, between the ferry on Ashley river and Ran- 
towle's bridge, on Stono. The Americans had the advan- 
tage, took seven prisoners, and drove back the cavalry of 
the British legion ; but for want of infantry durst not pur- 
sue them. At the beginning of the siege Gen. Lincoln or- 
dered the regular cavalry, amounting to fhree hundred men, 
to keep the field ; add the country militia were directed to 
act as infantry in their support. The militia, on various 
pretences, refuse*! to attach themselves to the cavalry. This 
important body of horse, which was intended to cover the 
country, and keep open a communication between it and the 
town, was surprised on the 14th of April at Monk's Corner^ 
by a strong party of British, led by Lieut. Cols. Tarleton 
and Webster. A negro slave, for a sum of money, conduc- 
ted the British from Goose Creek, in the night, through 
unfrequented paths. About twenty-five of the Americans 
were either killed or taken. Those who escaped were 
obliged for several days to conceal themselves in the 
swamps. Upwards of thirty horses were lost, and became 
a seasonable supply to the British, who were but badly 
modnted. After this catastrophe all armed parties of Ame- 
ricans, for some time, abandoned that part of the state, 
lying to the southward of Santee, 



2oi) 

1780.] Soon after this surprise, Col. Anthony Walton 
White arrived, and took c >mmand of the remains of the 
cavalry". At the head of this Cdrps, mounted a second time 
with great difficulty, he crossed the Santee, and on the 6th 
of May, ; 780, came up with a small British party ,took them 
prisoners, and conducted them to Lanneau's ferry. Lieut. 
Col. Tarelton with a party of horse, was despatched to the 
ferry, and arrived there a fevv minutes after the American 
cavalry, and instantly chHrg;ed them with a superior force. 
From tlie want of boats and of infantry ,a retreat was impracti- 
cable and resistance unavailing. A rout took place. Major 
Call and seven others escaped on h<!rseback by urging their 
way through the advancing British cavalry. Lieut. Col. 
Washington, Major Jameson, and five or six privates, sav- 
ed themselves by swimming across the Santee. About 
thirty were killed, wounded, or taken. The remainder 
got off by concealing themselves in the swamps. The Bri- 
tish prisoners, who were in a boat crossing the river, being 
called upon by their friends to come back, rose on their 
guard and were released. 

The reduction ol Charleston proved the commencement 
of still greater evils than the country had yet experienced. 
Garrisons were posted by the victors in different parts of 
the country ; a large body of troops was marched over the 
Santee, towards the extremity of the state, which borders 
on the most populous settlements in North Carolina. Col. 
Buford, v\ho was advancing to the relief of Charleston with, 
a corps of three or four hundred continental infantry, and 
a few horse, was defeated and brutally cut to pieces by Col. 
Tarleton, with about 700 horss and foot at the Waxhaws. 
This barbarous massacre gave a more sanguinary turn to 
the war. 

To distract the country further, Sir Henry Clinton and 
Admiral Arbuthnot, in the character of commissioners for 
yestoring peace, made very specious offers to the people, 
and so completely deluded them, that they seenned to have 
abandoned ail schemes of further resistance. 



261 

17S0.] Early in June, 1780, a French fleet, consisting 
of seven sail of the line and five frigates, commanded by 
M. De Tiernay, with a number of land forces, was expected 
on the coast. This induced Sir Henry Clinton to re-embark 
for New York. Though the French fleet gained at this 
time no direct advantages for their American allies, yet 
they completely deranged the plan of British operations. 

On the departure of Sir Henry Clinton from Charlestonj 
Lord Cornwallis was appointed commander in chief in the 
southern department, with about four thousand men. This 
force, though far short of what was originally intended for 
southern operations, was deemed fully adequate to effect 
the object of extending the British conquests. 

The general submission of the inhabitants was followed 
by an unusual calm. The British believed that the state 
of South Carolina was thoroughly conquered ; but soon 
found the disguise which fear had imposed, subsisted no 
longer than the present danger. Their experience in 
America had not yet taught them enough of human nature, 
to distinguish between a forced submissiot) in a temporary 
panic, and a cordial return to their former allegiance. 

Various were the means used by the British to induce 
the citizens to take the oath of allegiance to his majesty, 
and some of these were dishoisorable, cruel, tyrannical, and 
contrary to good faith. Too many, for the love of ease and 
lucre, compromised their honor ; yet there were some 
noble spirits who made illustrious sacrifices at the shrine of 
liberty. 

Several submitted to a distressing exile, or a more into- 
lerable confinement. The proprietors of some of the best 
estates in South Carolina suffered them to remain in the 
power and possession of the conquerors, rather than stain 
their honor, by deserting their country. The rich staked 
their fortunes ; but in the humble walks of obscurity were 
found several of the middling and poorer class of^ citizens, 
who may be trulv said to have staked their lives on the 



cause of America ; for they renounced the comforts sub- 
servient to health in warm climates, and contented them- 
selves with a scanty portion of the plainest necessaries of 
life, in preferepice to joining the enemies of independence- 
In this crisis of danger to the liberties of America, the 
ladies of South Carolina conducted themselves with more 
than Spartan magnanimity. They gloried in the appella- 
tion of rebel ladies ; and though they withstood repeated 
solicitations to grace public entertainments with t!ieir pre- 
sence, yet they crowded on board prison ships, and oth- 
er places of confinement, to solace their suffering coun- 
trymen. While the conquerors were regaling them- 
selves at concerts and assemblies, they could obtain 
very few of the fair sex to associate with them ; but- no 
sooner was an American officer introduced as a pri- 
soner, than his company was songht for, and his person 
treated with every possible mark of attention and respect. 
On other occasions, the ladies, in a great measure, retired 
from the public eye, wept over the distresses of their coun- 
try, and gave every proof of the warmest attachment to its 
suffering cause. In the height of the British conquests, 
when poverty and ruin seemed the unavoidable portion of 
every adherent to the independence of America, the ladies 
in general discovered more firmness than the men. Many 
of them, like guardian angels, preserved their husbands 
from falling in the liour of temptation, when interest and 
convenience had alutost gotten the better of honor and pa- 
triotism. Among the numbers who were banished from 
their families, and whose property was seized by the con- 
querors, many examples could be produced of ladies cheer- 
fully parting with their sons, husbands, and brothers, ex- 
horting them to fortitude and perseverance, and repeatedly 
entreating them never to suffer family attachments to inter- 
fere with the duty they owed to their country. When, 
in the progress of the war, they were also comprehended 
under a general sentence of banishment, with equal resolu- 
tion they parted with their native country and the many 



endearments of home— -followed their husbands into prison 
ships and distant lands, where, thou,2;h they had long been 
in the habit of giving, they were reduced to the necessity 
of receiving charity. They renounced the present grati- 
fications of wealth, and the future prospect of fortunes for 
their growing offspring; — adopted every scheme of economy, 
and, though born in affluence, and habituated to attendance, 
betook themselves to labor. 

The low country being overrun by the enemy, North 
Carolina, and the western parts of the state of Georgia^ 
became the refuge of a considerable number of the detei'- 
mined friends af independence. In this class were Cols. 
Sumter, Le Roy Hammond, and others. Col. S. had 
formerly commanded one of the continental regiments, and 
was known to possess a great share of bravery and other 
military talents. In a very little time after he had forsaken 
his home, a detachment of the British turned his wife and 
family out of doors, burned the house and every thinp" 
tha.t was in it. A party of these exiles from South Caro- 
lina, who had convened in North Carolina, made choice of 
Col. Sumter to be their leader, At the head of this little 
band of freemen, he soon returned to his own state, and 
took the field against the victorious British. He made this 
gallant effort at a time when the inhabitants had generally 
abandoned the i;!ea of supporting their own independence, 
and when he had every difficulty to encounter. The state was 
no longer in a condition to pay, clothe, or feed the troops, 
who had enrolled themselves under his command. His 
followers were, in a great measure, unfurnished with 
arms and ammunition, and they had no magazines from 
which they might draw a supply. The iron tools on the 
neighbouring farms were worked up for their use, by com- 
mon blacksmiths, into rude weapons of war. They supplied 
thems4v3s, with bullets in part, by melting the pewter with 
whi(^h they were furnished by private housekeepers. They 
sometimes came to battle when they had not three rounds a 
man ; and some were obliged to keep at a distance, tillj by 



254 

the fall of others, they were supplied with arms. When 
they proved victorious they were obliged to rifle the dead 
and wounded of their arms and ammunition, to equip 
themselves for their next engai^ement. At the head of these 
volunteers Col. Sumter penetrated into South Carolina, 
and recommenced a military opposition to the British, after 
it had been suspended for about six weeks. This unlooked 
for impediment to the extension of British conquests, rous- 
ed all the passions which disappointed ambition can inspire. 
Col. Le Roy Hammond, whom we have seen early in the 
war gallantly defeating the Indians, continued his active 
operations against this barbarous enemy. In February, 
1779, he defeated a party of tories, (about two or three 
hundred,) on the Ridge in Edgefield, with 200 volunteers, 
and shortly after attacked and defeated about 300 Creek 
and Cherokee Indians, (with a f^w white men painted and. 
dressed like Indians,) between the Ogeechee and Ocmulgee 
rivers, his force consisting of 250 mounted militiamen. 
He was continually active in the south in keeping the ene- 
my in check. 

Lord Rawdon, whose temper was soured by disappoint- 
ment, and whose breast was agitated with rage against the 
new subjects, for their unmeaning submissions, on the first 
rumour of an advancing American army, called on the inha- 
bitants in and near Camden, where he had command, to take 
up arms against their approaching countrymen; and confined 
in the common jail those who refused. In the midst of 
summer, upwards of one hundred and sixty persons were 
shut up in one prison ; and tw^enty or thirty of ihem, though 
citizens of the most respectable characters, were loaded 
with irons. Mr. James Bradley, Mr. Strother,* Col. Few, 
Mr. Kershaw, Capt. Boyken, Col. Alexander, Pvlr. Irvin, 
Col. Winn, Col Hunter, and Capt. John Chesnut, were in 
the number of those who were subjected to these indignities. 

* This gentleman flied in jail—he was a decided and independent 
patriot. 



253 

The friends of independence having once more taken 
the field in South Carolina, a party of the corps com- 
manded by Col. Sumter, consistino; of 133 men, on the 
12th of July, 17S0, engaged at Williams plantation, in the 
upper part of South Carolina, with a detachment of British 
troops, and a large body of tories, commanded by Capt. 
Iluck. They were posted in a lane, both ends of which 
were entered at the same time by the Americans. In this 
unfavorable position they were speedily routed and dis- 
persed. Col. Ferguson of the British militia, Capt. Huck, 
and several others, were killed. Col. Bratton particularly 
■distinguished himself on this occasion. 

Col. Sumter was soon reinforced to the number of 600 
raen ; at the head of this party on the 30th of July, 1 7S0, he 
made a spirited, but unsuccessful attack on the British post 
at Rocky Mount. Without delay he marched in quest of 
other British detachments, and in eight days after success- 
fully attacked one of their posts at the Hanging Rock, in 
which was a considerable force of regulars and tories. The 
Prince of Vv ales' regiment, which defended this place, was 
nearly annihilated ; and a large body of tories, which had 
advanced from North Carolina, under Col. Brian, was com- 
pletely routed and dispersed. 

It had been known for some time, that an American ar- 
my was marching from the northward, for the relief oi 
their southern brethren. The panic occasioned by the fall 
of Charleston hegan now to abate. The prospect of soon 
seeing a northern army among them, induced many Amer- 
ican parties, without the knowledge of each other, to ap- 
point leaders, and sometimes to attack detachments of the 
British army, but much more frequently those of their own 
countrymen who were turnijig out as royal militia. Col. 
Williams of the district ■ f Ninety-six, in particular, was in- 
defatigable in collecting and animating the friends of Con- 
gi-ess in that district. With these he frequesitly harassed 
the conquerors. On the iSth of August, J 780, he attacked 
a considerable party of British and tories, at Musgrove^s 



256 

Mills, on the Enoree river : Col. Innis, of the South Car- 
olina royalists was wounded, eighty -six killed, and sev- 
enty-six made prisoners, and the whole of his party 
obliged to retire : the loss of the Americans was five kill- 
ed and eleven wounded. Previous to this (July,) a battle 
was fought at the Green Springs, (near Berwick's Iron 
works,) by Col. Clarke of Gaorgia, with I6t> men. The 
enemy, consisting of 150 volunteer miunted rifl.'raen, and 
sixvy well equipped dragoons, were defeated with the loss 
of twenty eight killed on the spot, and several wounded. 
Clarke had four killed, and tweiity-three wouuded, all with 
the broad sword. Major Smith, (>f Georgia, a brave, intelli- 
gent and active officer, was killed, Col. Clarke was severely 
wounded. Col. Robertson, (a volunteer) Capt. Clarke, and 
several other officers, were also wounded. 

During the siege of Charleston 140u continental troops, 
consisting of the Delaware and Maryland line, command- 
ed by Major General Baron De Kalb, were by Congress 
ordered to the southward. They marched from head-quar- 
ters at Morristown, in New Jersey, on the 16th of April, 
17S0, embarked at the head of Elk in May, and landed 
soon after in Petersburg, in Virginia ; from thence they 
proceeded by land to South Carolina. The country they 
had now to pass through was thinly inhabited, and poorly 
cultivated. The last year's crop was nearly expended, and 
the present was not sufficiently ripe. The troops subsisted 
principally on lean cattle collected in the woods. The offi- 
cers were so distressed for the want of flour that they cnade 
use of hair-powder to thicken their souj), but soon found 
a more savory substitute in green corn. Peaches were also 
used, and became a seasonable supply. The whole army 
vv^as sometimes supplied for twenty-four hours in this way, 
without either meat or flour. 

Major General Baron De Kalb continued in command till 
the 27th of July, when Major General Gates arrived with 
the orders of Congress to take the command. Great were 
the expectations of the public from this illustrious officer. 



257 

The cloud that had for some time overshadowed American 
affairs beg;an to disperse. Nothing; short of the speedy ex- 
pulsion of the British from the state came up to the wishes 
and hopes of the frienns of Independence. On the 15th of 
August, Gen. Stevens, with a brigade of Virginia mili- 
tia joined General Gates. The whole of the American ar- 
my now amounted to 3663, of which 900 were continental 
infatitry, and seventy cavalry. 

The arrival of this force was quite unexpected by the en- 
emy, and Lord Cornwallis was distant from the scene of ac- 
tion. No sooner was he informed of the approach of Gen. 
GateS; than he prepared to join his arnsy at Camden. He 
arrived, and superseded Lord Rawdon in command on the 
14th. His iufericr force, consisting of about 1700 infantry 
and 300 cavalry, would have justified a retreat ; but, con- 
sidering that no probable event of an action could be more 
injuiious to the royal interest than that measure, he chose 
to stake his fortune in a contest with the conqueror of Bur- 
goyne. On the night of the 15th he mai"ched out with 
his whole force to attack the Americans; and at the same 
hour Gen. Gates put his army in motion, with a determina- 
tion to take an eligible position between Sander's Creek 
and Gum Swamp, about eight miles from Camden. The 
advance of parties met about midnight, and a firing com- 
menced. In this skirmish Col. Porlerfield, a very gallant 
officer of the slate of Virginia, received a mortal wound. 
After some time both parties retreated to their main bodies, 
and the whole lay on their arms. In the morning a severe 
and general engagement took place. The American army 
was formed in the following manner: the second Maryland 
brigade commanded by Brigadier General Gist, on the right 
of the line, flanked by a morass ; the North Carolina mili- 
tia, commanded by Major General Caswell, in the centre ; 
and the Virginia militia, commanded by Brigadier General 
Stevens, light infantry, and a morass. The artillery was 
posted in the interstices of brigades, and on the most advan- 
tageous grounds. Major General Baron De Kalb com- 



25^ 

manded on the right of the line, and Brigadier General 
Smallwood commanded the first Maryland brigade, which 
was posted as a corps de reserve two or three hundred yards 
in the rear. In ihis position the troops remained till dawn 
of day. As soon as the British appeared, about two hun- 
dred yards in front of the North Carolina troops, the artille- 
ry was ordered to fire, and Brigadier General Stevens to at- 
tack the column which was displayed to the right. That 
gallant officer advanced with his brigade of militia in excel- 
lent order, \\ithin fifty paces of the enemy, who were also 
advancing, and then called out to his men, "My brave fel- 
lows, you have bayonets as well as they ; we'll charge them." 
At that moment the British infantry charged with a cheer, 
and the Virginians, thiowing down their arms, retreated 
with the utmost precipitation. The militia of North Caro. 
lina followed the unworthy example, except a few of Gen. 
Gregory's brigade, who paused a very little longer. A 
part of Col. Dixon's regiment fired two or three rounds, but 
the greater part of the militia fled without firing a single 
shot. The whole left wing and centre being gone, the con- 
tinentals who formed the right wing, and the corps of re- 
serve, engaged about the same time, and gave the British 
an unexpected check. The second brigade, consisting of 
Maryland and Delaware troops, gained ground, and had 
taken no less than fifty prisoners. The first brigade being 
considerably outflanked, were obliged to retire ; but they 
rallied again, and with great spirit renewed the fight. This 
expedient was repeated two or three times. The British 
directed their whole force against these tv/o devoted corps, 
and a tremendous fire of musketry was continued on both 
sides with great steadiness. At length Lord Cornwallis^ 
observing that there was no cavalry opposed to him, pour- 
ed in his dragoons, and ended the contest. Never did men 
behave better than the continentals in the whole of this ac- 
tion, but all attempts to rally the militia were ineffectual. 
Lieut. Cole Tarleton's legion charged them as they broke. 



2bd . ' 

and pursued them as they were fleeing. Without having 
it in their power to defend themselves, they fell in great 
numbers under the les:ionary sabres. 

Major General Baron De Kalb, an illustrious German, 
in the service of France, who h^id g^enerously engaged in. 
the support of A Mpricsn independence, and who exerted, 
himself with great bravery to prevent the defeat of the day, 
received eleven woivnds, of which, though he experienced 
the most particular attention fron the British, he in a short 
time expired. Lieut. Col Du Buysson, aid-de-camp to 
Baron De Kalb, embracing his vvounded general, announc- 
ed his rank and nation to the surrounding foe, and begged 
that they would spare his life. While he generously ex- 
posed himself to save his friend, he received sundry dan- 
gerous wounds, and was taken prisoner. Brigadier Gene- 
ral Ruiherfoi-d, a valuable officer, nf the most extensive in- 
fluence over the North Carolina militia, was compelled t© 
surrender to a party of the British legion, one of whom, 
after his submissiim, cut him in sei'eral places. Of the 
South Carolina line, that brave and distinguished officer, 
Major Thomas Pinckney, acting as aid-de-camp to Major 
General Gates, hid his leg shattered by a musket ball, and 
fell into the hands of the conquerors. 

The Americans lost eio;ht field-pices, the whole of their 
artillery, upwards of 200 wagons, and the greatest part of 
their baggage. The loss of the British, in killed and 
wounded, was about 300. The royal army fought with 
great bravery ; but their success was in a great measure 
owing to the precipitate flight of the militia, and the supe- 
riority of their cavalry. 

This sad defeat, destroyed almost the last remaining 
hope of the friend>' of independence, and made the enemy 
more insolent and rapacious, and they acted with impunity 
against the unfortunate inhabitants, in violation of every 
right which is held sacred between independent hostile na- 
tions. In almost every district their progress was markeU 

T I 



260 

with blood, and with deeds of atrocity, which reflected 
disgrace upon their arms. 

The conquerors, in their great zeal to make subjects, 
forgot the rights of prisoners. On the 27th of August, 
Christopher Gadsden, Lieutenant Governor of the State, 
Edward Blake, John Budd Cochran, John Edwards, Tho- 
mas Ferguson, George Flagg, William Hasel Gibbs, Wil- 
liam Hall, Thomas Hall, Thomas Hey ward, jun. Isaac 
Holmes, Richard Hutson, William Johnson, Rev. John 
Lewis, William Livingston, John Loveday, Richard 
Lushington, William Massey, Edward M'Cready, Alex- 
ander Moultrie, John Mo watt, John Neufville, Ed- 
%vard North, Joseph Parker, John Ernest Poyas, David 
Ramsay, Jacob Read, Hugh Rutledge, Edward Rutledge, 
John Sansum, Thomas Savage, Thomas Singleton, Josiali 
Smith, James Hamden Thompson, Peter Timothy, John 
Todd, and Anthony Toomer, were taken up early in the 
morning out of their houses and beds by armed parties, and 
brought to the Exchange ; from whence, when collected 
together, they were removed on board the Sandwich guard 
ship, and in a few days transported to St. Augustine. This 
was by order of Lord Cornwallis, who was fearful of the 
weight and influence of such men among their fellow-citi- 
zens, their example restraining many from exchanging their 
paroles as prisoners for the protection and privileges of Brit- 
ish subjects. Lieutenant Governor Gadsden, to express his 
indignation at this ungenerous treatment, refused to accept 
an offered parole in St. Augustine, and with the greatest for- 
titude bore a close confinement in the castle of that place 
for forty-two weeks, rather than give a second one to a 
power which had plainly violated the engagement contain- 
ed in the first. The other gentlemen, who renewed their 
paroles in St. Augustine, had the liberty of the town ; but 
were treated with indignities unsuitable to their former 
rank and condition. Cut off from all communication with 
their countrymen, they could receive no intelligence of 
p-ablic sffairs but through British channels. In this for- 



mi. 

lorn situation, they were taught to expect the fate of van 
quished rebels. They also hear i from [ligh authority, that 
the blood of the brave but unfortunate Andre would be re.„ 
quired at their hands. They were told that Lieut. Col. 
Glazier, commandant of the garrison in St. Augustine, had 
announced his fixed lesolution instantly to hang up six of 
them, if the esasperated Americans should execute their 
threats of putting to death Col. Brown of the East Florida 
rangers. To all these indignities and dangers they submit- 
ted, without an application from a single individual of theia' 
number, for British protection. 

From the time that the citizens before mentioned were 
f^ent off from Charleston, St. Augustine was made use of t® 
frighten prisoners to petition for the privileges of subjects. 
They who delayed their submission were repeatedly threat- 
ened with banishment from their families and estates T@ 
con 'ince the inhabitants that the conquerors were serious- 
ly resolved to banish all who refused to become subjects, 
an additional number, who still remained prisoners on 
parole, was shipped off on the 15th of November following. 
Their names are as follows : — Joseph Bee, Richard Beres- 
ford, John Berwick, Daniel Bordeaux, Benjamin Cudworth^ 
Henry Cronch, John Splatt Cripps, Edward Darrell, Dan- 
iel De Saussure, George A. Hall, Thomas Grimball, Noble 
Wimberley Jones, William Lee, William Logan, Arthur 
Middleton, Christopher Peters, Benjamin Postell, Samuel 
Prioleau, Philip Smith, Benjamin Waller, James Wake- 
field, Edward Weyman, Morion Wilkinson, &c. In addi- 
tion to these citizens of South Carolina, most of whom were 
entitled to the benefits of the capitulation of Charleston,, 
Gen. Rutherford and Col. Isaacs, of the state of North Car^ 
olina, who had been taken near Camden in August, 1780^,, 
were at the same time shipped off for St Augustine. The 
only charge exhibited against them as the reason of exile^ 
was, that " they discovered no disposition to return to their 
allegiance, and would, if they could, overturn the BritisT? 
government.''' 



26i2 

How much do we owe to the resolution and virtue of 
these great men, as w ell as many other noble spirits, who 
isubmitted to exile, poverty, and death, rather than dishonor 
the cause they had espoused ! 

Notwithstanding^ so many discouragements and tempta- 
tions to swerve from duty, the ^;enius of America ruse su- 
perior to them all. At no time did h^\ sons appear to 
greater advantage, than when they were depressed by suc- 
cessive misfortunes. They seemed to 2;ain strength from 
their losses ; and, instead of si;iviMg way to the pr* ssure of 
calamities, to oppose them with more determined reso- 
lution. 

But the day of prosperity began now to dawn, at the 
very moment, as it wer , when the deepest gluom over- 
spread the couiitr}'', in co isequence of the defeat of Gen. 
Oates. We have seen Sumtei- penetrating into South Caro- 
lina, and recommencing a military opposition to tiie British 
government. Soon after that event he was promoted by 
Governor Rutledge to i\,e rank of Briga(iier General. 
About the same time Marion was promoted to the same 
rank ; and in the northeastern extremities of the state suc- 
cessfully prosecuted the same plan. Unfurnished with the 
means of defence, he was obliged to take p; sstssion of the 
saws of the sawmills, and to convert them intu horsemen's 
awords. So much was he distressed for ammunition, that 
he has engaged, wlien he had not three rounds to each man 
of hi? party. At other times he tsas brought his men into 
view, though without ammunition, that he might make a 
show of numbers to the enemy. For several weeks he 
had under his command only seventy men, all volunteers 
from the militia. At one lime hnrt'shii^s and dangers re- 
duced that number to twenty-five : yei with this inconsid- 
erable force, he secured hims( ll in the n idst o! surround- 
ing foes. Various methods wt-re attempted to draw off his 
followers. Major Weyms burned scores of houses belong- 
ing to the inhabitants living on Pedee, Lynche's creek, 
and Black river, who were supposed to do duty with him. 



263 

or to be subservient to his views. This measure had an ei" 
feet contrary to what was expected. Revenge and despair 
co-operated with patriotism, to make these ruined men 
keep the field. The devouring flames sent on defenceless 
habitations by blind rage and brutal policy, increased not 
only the zeal but the number of his f dlowers. For months, 
nay, years, he and his party were obliged to sl< ep in the 
open air, and to shelter themselves in the thick recesses of 
deep swamps. From these retreats he sallied out, when- 
ever an opportunity of harassing the enemy or of serving 
his country presented itself. This worthy citizen and en- 
terprising officer, on every occasion, paid the greatest re- 
gard to private property, restraining his men from every 
species of plunder. On the whole he exhibited a rare in- 
stance of disinterested patriotisri, in doing and suffering 
every thing subservient to the independence of his coun- 
try, r. ' ■ 

Opposition to British government was not wholly con- 
fined to the parties commanded by Sumter and Marion. It 
was at no time altogether extinct in the extremities of the 
state. The inhabitants of that part of South Carolina 
which is now called York District, never were parohd as 
prisoners ; nor did they take protection as subjects. From 
among these people Sumter had recruited a considerable 
part of his men. After his defeat on the 18th of August, 
1780, several of them repaired to that settlement, and 
kept in small parties for their own defence. Some of them 
also joined Major Davie, an enterprising young officer, 
who commanded fifty or sixty volunteers, who had equip- 
ped themselves as dragoons. This was the only Ameri- 
can corps, which at that time had not been beaten or dis- 
persed. 

During the summer of this year Coi. Ferguson, of the 
71st British regiment, had undertaken, personally, to vi» 
sit/the settlements of the disaffected to the American causCj 
ahd to train their young men for service in the field, 
Among those who joined Col. Ferguson were several dis- 



264 

orderly, licentious persons, who took the opportunity of 
the prevailing confusion to carry on their usual depredations. 
As they marched through the country, on the pretence of 
promoting the service of his Britannic majesty, they plun- 
dered the whig citizens. Violences of this kind frequent- 
by repeated, induced many persons to consult their ovva 
safety by fleeing over the mountains. By such lively re- 
presentations of their sufferings, as the distressed are al- 
ways ready to give, they communicated an alarm to that 
hardy race of republicans who live to the westward of the 
Alleghany. Hitherto these mountaineers had only heard 
of war at a distance, and had been in peaceable possession 
of that independence for which their brethren on the sea- 
coast were contending. Alarmed for their own safety, by 
the near approach of Col. Ferguson, and roused by the vi- 
olences and depredations of his followers, they embodied 
to check the neighbouring foe. This was done of their 
own motion, without any requisition from the government, 
or the officers of the continental army. Being all mount- 
ed and unincumbered with baggage, their motions were 
rapid. Each man set out with his blanket, knapsack, and 
gun, in quest of Col. Ferguson, in the same manner 
that he was accustomed to pursue the wild beasts of the 
forest. At night the earth afforded them a bed, and the 
heavens a covering ; the running stream quenched their 
thirst, while the few cattle driven in their rear, together 
with the supplies acquired by their guns, procured them 
provisions. They soon found the encampment of Col. 
Ferguson. This was on an eminence, of a circular base, 
known by the name of King's Mountain, situated near 
the confines of North and South Carolina. The enter- 
prise was conducted without much regular military subor- 
dination. Each of the colonels, Campbell, Williams, 
Cleveland, Shelby, Sevier, Lacy, and Hill, respectively 
led on his own men.* 

* Col. Williams on this occasion waved his rigfht of command. 



265 

It being apprehended that Col. Ferguson was hastening 
his march down the country to join Lord Cornwallis, the 
Americans selected nine hundred and ten of their bestmenj 
and mounted them on their fleetest horses. With this 
force they came up with Col. Ferguson on the 7th October, 
1780, As they approached the royal encampment it was 
agreed to divide th^ir force. Some ascended the mountain, 
while others went round its base in opposite directions. 
A firing soon commenced. Some of the Americans were 
on horseback, others on foot, some behind trees, and oth- 
ers exposed. None were under restraints of military dis- 
cipline, but all were animated with the enthusiasm of liber- 
ty. The piquet soon gave way, and were pursued as they 
retired up the mountain to the main body. Col. Ferguson, 
with the greatest bravery, ordered his men to charge. The 
Americans commanded by Col. Shelby, having fired as 
long as they could with safety, retired from the ap- 
proaching bayonet. They had scarcely given way, when 
the other detachment, commanded by Col. Cleveland, 
having completed the circuit of the mountain, opportunely 
arrived, and from an unexpected quarter, poured in a well 
directed fire. Col. Ferguson desisted from the pursuit, 
and engaged with his new adversaries. The British bayo- 
net was again successful, and caused them also to fall back. 
By this time the party commanded by Col. Campbell had 
as3ended the mountain, and renewed the attack from that 
eminence. Col. Ferguson, whose conduct v/as equal to 
his courage, presented anew front and was again successful ; 
but all exertions were unavailing. At this moment the 
men who began the attack, no less obedient to the second 
request of their commander in returning to their posts, 

[holding then a commission as Brigadier General] and gallantly led 
on his own troops to the charge. The attack was made in four col- 
umns nearly at the same time. Shelby's division commenced the 
fight — Cleveland's followed, and the others, according to the dis- 
tance they had to march, gallantly supported them. 



266 

than they were to the first, in securing themselves by a 
timely retreat, had rallied and renewed their fire. As of- 
ten as one i)f the A'rierican parties were driven back, ano- 
ther returned to their station. Resistance on the part of 
Col. Ferguson was now in vain ; his unconquerable spirit, 
hovi'ever, refused to surrender. After havins repulsed a 
succession of adversiiries, pouring in their fire from newr 
directions, this distinguished officer received a mortal 
wound. No chance of escape being left, and all prospect 
of successful resistance being at an end, the second in com- 
mand sued for quarters. The killed, wounded, and taken, 
exceeded eleven hundred ; of which nearly one hundred 
were regulars. The assailants had the honor of reducing 
a number superior to their own. The Americans lost com- 
paratively few, but in that number was that distinguished 
militia officer, Coi. Williams.* Ten of the men who had 
surrendered were hanged by their conquerors. They were 
provoked to this measure by the severity of the British, 
who had lately hanged a greater number of Americans at 
Camden, Ninety six, and Augusta. They also alleged, 
that the men who suffered were guilty of crimes for which 
their lives were forfeited by thr laws of the land. 

This defeat, added to some other circumstances, gave a 
serious alarm to Lord Cornwallis ; and made him, while at 
Charlotte, apprehensive for his safety. Hi- therefore re- 
treated, and fixed his next position at Winnsborough. As 
he retired the militia took several wagons loatled with stores; 
and single men often rode up, within gun-shot of his ar- 
my, discharged their pieces, and made their escape. The 
defeat of Co!. Ferguson, and the consequent retreat of Lord 
Cornwallis from Charlotte to Winnsborough, encouraged 

* Col Williams behaved here with the greatest bravery, and prov- 
ed his patriotism. He had the good fortune to encounter personally 
in battle, Col. Ferguson, who attempted to force his way at this 
point. They both fell on the spot, being shot, it was supposed, by a 
ball from the British side — it was the last gun fired. 



267 

the American militia to repair to the camps of their re- 
spective commanders, and the necessity of the times indu- 
ced them to submit to the stricter discipline of regular sol- 
diers. 

Early in October, Gen. Gates detached Gen. Morgan from 
Winnsborousch with f-OO Maryland and Delaware tr..ops, 
and eighty (h-ao;o<nis, to aid the exertions of the whig citizens 
of Mecldenburgh ard Rowan countii s. North Carolina, 
In an excursion from t is detached posiiion, Lieut. Col. 
Washingtoo, penetrated wiih a small f^rce to the vicinity of 
Camden, nnd on the 4th of December, 1780, appeared be- 
fore Col. Rugely's. This gentleman having tak^n a com- 
mission in the British militia, had made a stockade fort 
round his house, in which he had collected ii2 of the men 
under his command. The appearance of the force com- 
manded by Washington, produced an immediate surrender 
of this whole party A pine log enforced the propriety 
and nece-^sity of their speedy, unresisti.ig submission. 
This harmless timber, elevated a few feet from the surface 
of the earth by i!s branches, which stuck in the ground, 
was moulded by the imagination of thi garrison into artil- 
lery, completely equipped with all the aisparatus of death. 

Sumter, soon after the dispersion of his force at Fishing 
Creek (on the ISth of Aug :S' 1 780,) collected a corps of 
volunteers. About thirty of his party rejoined him imme- 
diately after that event. In three days m.ttre, one htmdred 
.of the whig citizeiisin tiie vicinity, on his requisition, ren- 
dezvoused at Sugar Creek, and put th 'mselves under his 
command VVitii these and other occasional reinforcements, 
(though for three months there was no continental army in 
the state,) he cnostantly kept the field in support of Ameri- 
can independence. He varied his position from time to 
time about Enoree, Broad, and Tyger rivers, and had fre- 
quent skirmishes with his adversaries. Having mounted 
his^^followers, he infested the British with frequent incur- 
sions, beat up their quarters, intercepted their convoys, and 

K K 



26S 

so harassed them with successive alarms, that their move- 
ments coukl not be made bat with caution and difficulty. 
On thp 12th of November. 780, h.<' was attacked at the 
Fishdam ford (on Broad river) by M ijor Weyms, com- 
manding a cor[)S f infantry and drais:; ons. In this action 
the British were defeated, and their commandins: officer 
iaken prisoner.* Major Weyms had personally superin- 
tended the execution of Mr. A'!am Cusack, after ordering 
him to be hung, and in his pocket was fomid a memoran- 
dum of several houses burned by his command, yet he re- 
ceived every indulgence from his conquerors. 

On the 20th of the same month Gen. Sumter was attack- 
ed at Black Stocks, near Tjyg^er river, by Lieut. Col. Tarle- 
ton, at the head of a large party. The action was severe 
and obstinate. t The killed and wounded of tlie British 
was considerable. Among the former wer Major Moneys, 
and Lieutenants Gibson and Cope. The Americans lost 
very few, but Gen. Sumter received a wound which, for 
several months, interrupted his gdiant enterprises. Col. 
Twiggs took the command here after Gen. Sumter was 
wounded, and concluded the battle. His zeal and activity 
in animating the American miiitia when they were discour- 
aged by repeated def ats ; ,and the b avery and good con- 
duct he displayed in sundry attacks on the British detach- 
ments, procured him the applause ol his countrymen, and 
the thanks of Congress. 

At this time Gen. Green was appointed to take the com- 
mand of the southern district. This iHustrious officer was 

* To the gallantry and bravery of Col. Thomas Taylor, the success 
of this battle is to be attributed. With only thirty'seven men he 
•stood his ground after our troops had been surprised and dispersed. 
The enemy unconscious of danger continued to advance, and was on 
his part surprised by this little band. By one fire twenty-seven were 
killed and wounded, (among the latter Major Weyms,) and a number 
of prisoners taken. Col Taylor lost but one killed and eight wound- 
ed. 

f Mai or S. Hammond had here three horses shot under him. 



universally acknowledged to possess g;reat military talents, 
particularly a penetrating; judgment, and a decisive, enter- 
prising spi'it. Great were the difficulties he had to encoun- 
ter. The principal part of his standing force consisted of 
the few coiitiaentfils who had escaped from the defeat near 
Camd n on the iOth of Aiig'JSt, i,780. Six days after 
Gr( en took the comm.md, the returns of the southern army 
were 970 continentals, and i013 militia.- 

Wi?h an inconsiderable army, miserably provided, Gen. 
Green look the field ngainst a superior British regular force, 
which had marched in tiiumphtvvo hundred nules from the 
sea-coast ; and was flushed v\ ith successive victories, through 
a whole campaign. To face a host of difficulties, the Ame- 
rican general had the justice of his cause, his own valor 
and good conduct, a very respectable cavalry, and the 
Maryland and Delaware continentals, who had served up- 
wards of four years ; and who for their numbers were 
equal to any troops in the world. 

The infamous conduct of the tories lessened every day 
the interests of the British ;..mong th^^ people, and increased 
those of Ainerica. In Decmbi-r, 17sO, Col. Washington 
defeated Col. Moore, with a party of tories. near Williams' 
plantation below the island ford. This is the same Col. 
Moore that was defeated at Ramson'sMill, North Carolina, 
hy the North Carolina militia, commanded by Col. Locke, 
when Capt. F,ili was killed, June2i?, 1780. 

The battle of the Cowpens, which now took place, pro- 
duced a revolution in the minds of the citizens, that deci- 
ded at once how they should act. 

17S1.] Gen. Morgan had been sent by Gen, Green, 
with a detachment, to the western extremities of South 
Carolina, to give the militia of the countr}' an opportunity 
of embodying. Lord Cornwallis wished to drive Morgan 
from this station, and to deter the inhabitants from joining 
hi;ifi. Lieut. Col. Tarleton, at the head of 1000 regulars 
was ordered to execute this business. The British had two 
field-pieces, and the superiority of numbers in the proper- 



270 

tion of five to four, and particularly of cavalry, in the pro- 
portion of three to one. Besides this inequality of force, 
tw;o-thirds of the troops under Morgan were militia. With 
these fair prospects of success, Tarleton, on the 17 th of 
January, 1731, engajjed Moraian, with the expectation of 
drivini>; hins oat of the co mtry. The latter drew up his 
men in tvvo lines. I'he w'lolenfthe souihern militia, with 
one hii.jdred an^i ninety from North iJaroiina, were put un- 
der the command of Col. Pickens, seconded by Majors 
Cunningham, McDowfl, Hammond, and Triplet. These 
formed ih ' first line, and w^re advanced a few hundred 
yards before the second, with orders to form on the right 
of the second when forced to retire. The second Ime con- 
sisted of the iig:H infantry, under Lieut. Col. Howard, and 
a small corps of Virginia and South Carolina militia rifle- 
men. The le.''t of the second line, composed of South Car- 
olina and Georgia volunteer liflemen, was commanded by 
Col. Pickens, and was composed of three regiments, under 
the command of Cols. Brannon, Anderson, and Thomas. 
Lieut.CoJ.Wnshington, wj^h his cavalry, and forty-five mi- 
litiamen, und-.rCol. McCall, mounteil and equipped with 
swords, were drawn up at s uue distance in the rear of the 
whole. The Americans were formed before the British 
appeared in sight, Tarlet.ai halted, and firmed his men, 
when at the distance f about two hundred find fifty yards 
from the front liiie of Moi-gan's detachment. As soon as 
the enemy formed they began to a^lvance wdth a shout, and 
poured in an incpss:^!!t fire of musketry. Col. Pickens di- 
rected the militia innler his command not to fire till the 
Briiishwere within forfy or fifty yards. I'his order, 
though executed with gre;)t firmness and sure ss, vvas not 
sufficient to repel the advancing foe. The Anierican mili- 
tia were obliged to retn-e, but were s .'on rallied by their 
officers. The British advanced rapidly, and enga2;ed the 
second line, which, after a most ohsiinate conflict, was com- 
pelled to retreat to the cavalry In this crisis of th battle, 
Washington made a successful charge upon Tarleton, who 



271 

was cutting down the militia. Lieut Col. Howard,almostat 
the same moment, rallied the continental troops and charg- 
ed with fixed bayonets. The 'example was iustintly fol- 
lowed by the militia. Nothing could exceed the astonish- 
ment and confusion of the Brifisn, occasioned by these un- 
expected charges. Their adva>ice fell back in the rear^ 
and communicated a panic to the whole. la this moment 
of coiifu.sioii, I ! O'A ard called to them " to lay down their 
arms," and premised them good quarters. Upwar 'S of 
five hundred accepted ihe off<r, and surrendered. The 
firsl baitalion of the 71st regiment, and two British light 
infantrv companies laid down their arms to the American 
militia, commanded by Col. Pickens. Previous to this 
general surrender, three hundred of the corps command- 
ed by Tarleton had been kil.'ed, wounded, or taken. Eight 
hundred stand of arms, two field pieces, and thirty five 
baggage wagons, also fell into the hands of the Americans. 
Wyshington pursued the Briiish cavalry for several miles, 
but a great part of them escaped. The Americans had on- 
ly txvelve men killed and sixty wounded. Gen, Murgan, 
whose grtat abilities were discov red by the judicious dis- 
position of is f)rce, and whose activiiy was conspicuous 
through every part of the action, obtained the universal ap- 
plause of his cousitryinen. And thi re never was a com- 
mander better sU|. ported than he was by the officers and 
men of his detachment. The glory and importance of 
this action lesoimded from one end of the continent to the 
other. It reanimated the desponding frien-is of A: erica, 
and seerned to be like a resurrection from the dead to the 
southern states. 

Morgan's good conduct, on this memorable day, was 
honored by Congress with a gold medal. That illustrious 
assembly, on this occasion, presented also a medal of sil- 
ver to Lieut. Col. Washi gtonj another to Lieut. Col. 
Hi/ward, a sword to Col. Pickens, a brevet majority to 
Edward Giles, the general's aid-de-camp, and a captaincy 
to Baron Glosback, who had lately joined the light infant- 



272 



ry as a volunteer.* The British legion, hitherto triumph- 
ant in a v^rii'ty of skirmishes, on this occasion lost their 
laurels ; thoui2;h ihey were supported hy the second regi- 
ment, one battalion of the seventy- first, and two companies 
of liajht infantry. Lieut. Col. Tarleton had hitherto ac- 
quired distinguished reputation, but he was greatly indebt- 
ed for his miii ary faine to good fortune and accident. In 
all his previo'!S engagements, he either had the advantage 
of surprising an incautious enemy — of attacking them when 
panic-struck afier recent defeats — or of being op|)Osed to 
unfliscif)lined militia. He had gathered no laurels by hard 
fighting against an equal f )rce. His repulse on this occa- 
sion did more essential injury to the British interest than 
was compensated by all his victories. 

Tarieton's defeat was ihe first link in a grand chain of 
causes, which finally drew down ruin on the royal cause, 
both in North and South Car(>lina. 

To recover the prison rs taken at the Cowpens, the 
royal army vvas instmtly put in motion. A military race 
com-nenced between the pursuing British and fleeing A.me- 
ricans. Nnrfh Carolina was therefore prematurely invad- 
ed before the tories vvere prepared f*r joining the royalists. 
Being without order or sj^sten, they were separately sub- 
dued. Gen. Creen, by rapid movements, saved his prison- 
ers, but was compelled to retreat into Virginia.- By avoid- 
ing engagements he preserved his army till he was joined 
by so many of his countrymen as enabFed him to recross 
^into North Carolina, and to risk a general action at Guil- 
ford. This, though called a victory by the British, opera- 
ted against them like a defeat. Lord Cornwailis was re- 
duced to the alternative of retracing his footsteps to South 
Carolina, or advancing to Virginia, while the country be- 
hind him was left open to the enterprising Gen. Green, at 

* To the bravery and good conduct of all the officers commanding 
on this occasion the success of this battle is to be attributed. The 
utmost harmony and confidence existed among them. 



2-73 

the head 6i a respectable force. The two armies, one of 
which for some weeks had been chasing ihe other, now 
turned back to back. Lord CornwalHs advanced north- 
wardly, and seated himself in Yorktown, Virginia, where, 
in October f ilovinsi;, he was reduced to the necessity of 
surren ierina; his wh :le army prisoners of war; Greea 
south vvardly to Carolina, and in the course of the campaign, 
recovered the country from its late conquerors. This was 
facilitated by the pr-vious enterprises oi Generals Sumter 
and Marion. These distinguished partisans, though sur- 
rounded with enemies, kept the fielri, and anima'ed the 
whig inhabitants of South Carolina to deeds of valor, while 
the two main parties were in Nurih Carolina, and Virginia. 
Though the continental army was driven over Dan river, 
Marion and Sumter did not despair of the commonwealth. 
Having mounted their followers, th> ir motions were rapid^ 
and their attacks unexpected. With their light troops they 
intercepted the British convoys of provisions — infested their 
outposts, beat up their quarters, and harassed their detach- 
ments with such frequent alarms, that they were obliged al- 
ways to be on their guard. In the western extremity of 
the state, Sua>ter was powerfully supported by Cols, Niel, 
Lacy, Hill, Winn, Bratton, Brannon, and others ; each of 
whom held militia commissions, and had many friends. la 
the northeastern extremity, Marion received in like man- 
ner great assistance from the active exertions of Cols. Pe- 
ter Horry, Hugh Horry, Lieut. Col. John Baxter, Col 
James Postell, Major John Pcsteil, and Major Johr 
James. 

The inhabitants, either as affection or vicinity induced 
them, arranged themselves under some of these militia offi- 
cers, and performed many gallant enterprises. 

When it was known that Lord Cornwallis had left the 
state, the patriots in the low country joined themselves to 
Sumter and Marion's brigades, and soon formed a very re- 
spectable force. Sumter,early in February, 1781, crossed 
the Congaree, appeared in force before Fort Granly, and de- 



274 

stroyed its magazines. Twb or three davs after he attack- 
ed and defeated an escort of stores ; killed thirt<^en of the 
Brifi>h, and took sixty six prisoners.* Sumter then, with 
350 horsemen, swam across the Santee, and proceeded to 
Fort Watson, at Wright's Bluff; but on Lord Rawdon's 
marching from Camden for its relief, he retired to Black 
river. On his return he was attacked, near Camden, by 
Major Frazier, at the head of a considerable force of British 
regulars and militia. The major lost tvventy of his men, 
and was obliged to retreat 

General Green marched with the main army from Deep 
river, in North Carolina, tov\ards (^/amden. The British 
were no less alarmed than surprised when they heard that 
Lieut. Col. Lee had penetrated through the country, and 
in eight days effected a junction with ^)en. Marion near the 
Santee ; and that the main body f the Americans had en- 
camped on the 19th of April before Camden. To secure 
the provisions that grow on the fertile banks of the Santee 
and Congaree rivers the British had erected a chain of pfjsts 
in their vicinity. One of the most important of these was 
on an eminence, known by the name of Wright's Bluff, and 
called Fort Watson. This was closely invested on the i 5th 
of April, 1781, by about eighty militiamen under Gen. 
Marion, and by the continentals commanded by Lieut. Col. 
Lee. Nei'her party had any other mode of annoyance or 
.defence, titan musketry. Though, the groimd on which 
khe fort stood was an Indian mound, thirty or forty feet 
'fhigh, yet the besieged, Ui;der tlse direction of Col. Maham, 
fsrected in a few da\ s, on an unusual plan, a work much 
hiffher. From this eminence the American riflemen fired 
into the fort with such execution that the besieged durst 
not show themselves. On the 23d the garrison, consist- 

* By the defection of one of our men, who had the guidance of the 
lioats containing these stores, they again fell into the hands of the 
<?nemv at fort Watson. 



275 ■ 

i«g of one hundred and fourteen men, surrendered by ca, 
pitulation. 

The British army at Camden, commanded by Lord Raw- 
don, consisted of about nine hundred men ; the place was 
defended on the western and northern side by six strong 
redoubts. 

The American army, consisting of about seven hun- 
dred continentals, was unequal to the task of carrying this 
post by stor;n, or of completely investing it. The General, 
therefore, took a g )od position at Hobkirk's Hill, about a 
mile distant, i' expectation of favorable events, and with a 
view of alluring the garrison out of their lines. Lord 
Rawdon armed his musicians, drummers, and every thing 
that could carry a firelock, and with great spirit sallied out 
on the 25th. Au engagement ensued. Victory for some 
time very evident!}- inclined to the side of the Americans ; 
but in the progress of the action, the forttme of the day was 
changed, and the British kept the field. Lieut. CoL 
Washington was ordered to turn the right flank of the 
British, and to charge in the rear. While he executed 
ihis order he was so confident of the success of the main 
army, that he divided his men into small parties, and made 
them take such positions as he thought most eligible for in- 
tercepting the fugitives on their retreat to Camden. At 
one time he had in his possession upwards of two hundred, 
but he relinquished the greatest part of them on seeing 
the American army retreat On this unexpected reverse 
of fortune, he paroled the officers on the field of battle ; 
collected his men, wheeled round, and made his retreat 
good, with the loss of three men, and at the same time 
brought ofi' near fifty prisoners. The killed, wounded, and 
missing, of the Americans, was about two hundred. The 
British had one officer killed and eleven taken prisoners. 
General Green retreated, in good order, with his artillery 
and/baggage, to Gum Swamp, about five miles from the 
place of action. In the evening after this aciion Lieut. 

L L 



276 

Col. Washington marched, with fifty men of the cavahy, 
within a mile of the Biitish army, and after sending; for- 
ward a small party, concealed his men in the woods. As 
soon as the advanced siriall party was discovered. Major 
Coffin, at the head of about forty of the Irish volunteers, 
pursued them a considerable distance. After this British 
party had passed the American cavalry, which was con- 
cealed, the latter rushed from the woocis, and charged 
them so briskly in the rear, that they lost upwards of twen- 
ty of their number.* 

On the iOth of May, the British evacuated Camden, 
after burning the jail, the mills, many private houses, and a 
great deal of his own baggage, and retired with his whole 
army to the south of the Sanlee.t 

General Green now proceeded with the main army to 
Ninety-six, which, being a place of great consequence, 
was defended by a considerable British force. On the 
93d of May, 1781, the main body encamped in a wood 
within half a mile of Ninety-six, and began their opera- 
tions. The approaches were gradually carried on against 
the Britisb redoubts, under the direction of Col. Koscius- 
ko, a young officer of distinction from Poland. By his 
assiduity, though the ground was hard, and the situation 
unfavourable, a third parallel within thirty yards of the 

* The spirited conduct of Col. Washington in this battle, contri- 
buted very materially in preventing the enemy from pursuing his 
good fortune, and our army from suffering further injury. 

f On the day after the evacuation of Camden, the garrison of 
Orangeburg, consisting of seventy British militia and twelve regu- 
lars, surrendered to Gen. Sumter. The next day Fort Motte 
capitulated. Two days after the British evacuated their post at Nel- 
son's Ferry, blew up their fortifications, and destroyed a great part of 
their stores. The day following Fort Granly surrendered by capitu- 
lation. Previous to this Col. Taylor's regiment of militia had so ha- 
rassed the garrison, that on the first cannon shot being fired, Major 
Maxwell was disposed to capitulate. His force consisted of 350 men, 
a great part of whom were royal militia. 



277 

ditch was completed on the 14th of June, and a ritle batte- 
ry, upwards of thirty feet high, erected at the saoie dis- 
tance. On the 1 7th ihe abatis was turned, and two trench- 
es and a mine extended to withifi six feet of the diich. 
Few sieges atiord greater instances of piTsevcrance and 
intrepidity, tnan were exhibited on this occasion, by be- 
siegers and besieged. Riflemen were employed on both 
sides, who immeuiately levelk^d. at every pt;rson who 
appeared in sight, and very seldom missed their object. 
Various success atteiKled the conflicts between the several 
covering p;irties of ihe workmen, and those who repeatedly 
sa]hed from the garrison. 

The American army advanced their approaches very 
near that critical point, which makes furiher resistance on 
the part of a garrison appear .ike temerity. At this inter- 
esting moment, i.ilelligency was rect.-ived, that Lord Raw- 
don was iiear at hand, with a reinforcem nt of about 2000 
men. The vicinity of the enemy inad- it necessary either 
to raise the siige, or attempt the reduction of the place, by 
a coup de-main. The last was agreed upon; and on the 
18Mi of June a vigorous assault was made with considera- 
ble prospect of success. But the rapid approach of Lord 
Hnwdon induced Gen. Green to raise the siege, and to re- 
treat over the Salu ta, after having lost about 150 men. 

Truly distressing was the situation of the American 
army, when, in the grasp of victory, to be obliged to ex- 
pose themselves to the dangers of a hazardous assault, and 
afterwards to abandon the siege : when they were nearly 
masters of the wliole country, to be compelled to retreat 
to its extremity : after subduing the greatest part of the 
force lately opposed to them, to be under the necessity of 
encountering still greater reinforcements, when their re- 
mote situation precluded them from the hope of receiving 
a single recruit. In this gloomy situation there were not 
^y'anting persons who advised Gen. Green to leave the 
state, and retire with his remaining force to Virginia. 
To arguments and suggestions of this kindy he nobly re- 



278 

plied, "I will recover the country or die in the attempt." 
This distinguished officer, 'vhose scenius was most vigorous 
in those perilous extremities, when feeble minds abandon 
themselves to despair, ailopted the only resource now left 
him, of avoiding an engagement till the British force should 
be divided. 

Lord Rawdon, on his arrival, took it for granted, that 
the Americans had abandoned Soutf- Carolina, anci therefore 
divided his army between the Congaree and E(iisto ; but 
he soon found that his adversaries were not disposed to 
give up the prize, for v/hich they had so long contended. 
Green, on hearing that Lor 1 Rawdon had marched v^•ith a 
part of his force to Congaree, faced about to give hitn bat- 
tle. Lord Rawdon no It-ss surprised than alarmed at this 
unexpected movement of his lately retreating foe, aban !on- 
ed the Congaree in two days after his arrival there, and 
retreated expeditiously to Orangeburg. In this j.osnion he 
was secured on one side with a river, and on the other 
with strong buildings, little inff^rior to redoubts. Green 
pursued, — encamped within five miles of this post, and 
offered him battle. His lordship, secure in his strong 
hold, would not venture out ; and Gen. Green was too 
weak to attack him in his works, with any prospect of 
success. In the course of these movements, on the 3d 
of July,Capt. Eggleston of Lee's legion fell in with forty- 
nine British horse, near the Saluda, and took forty-eight 
of them prisoners. 

Soon after the evacuation of Cambridge, the Cherokee 
Indians broke through their engagements of neutrality, 
and with a number of disguised white men, who called 
themselves the king's friends, made an incursion into the 
district of Ninety six, massacred several faiiJIies, and 
burned some houses. General Pickens collected a party 
of the American militia, and penetrated into the settle- 
ment of the Cherokees. This he accomplished in four- 
teen days, at the head of 394 horsemen. In that short 
space he burned thirteen towns and villages, killed up- 



279 

wards of forty Indians, and took a great number of prison- 
ers. Not one of his party being killed, and only two 
wou tided. 

Lord Rawdon having been joined by the forces from 
Ninety-six, which \hv British had abandoned, Gen. Green 
returned to the high hills of Santee. The evacuation of 
Camden having been effected by striking at the posts be- 
low it, the same n'.anoeuvre was now attempted to induce 
the militia to leave,;Orangeburg. Wiih this view, on the 
day that the main American army retired from before that 
post, Generals Sumter and Marion, with their brigaiics, 
and the legion of cavalry, were detached to Monk's Cor- 
ner and Dorchest r. Th^y moved down by diff rmit 
roads, and in three days commenced their operations. 
Lieut. Col. L '6, took all the wagons and wagon horses 
belonging to a convoy i provisions. Col. Wade Hamp- 
ton, charged a party of British dragoons within fivt- miles 
of Charleston, r.e also took tifty priso ,ers at Strawberry 
Ferry, and burned four vessels loaded with \aluable si ores 
for the British army. Gen. Sumter appeared before the 
garrison at Biggin's church, which Cijusisted of 500 infan- 
try, and upivards of loO cavalry. Lieut. Col. Coaies, 
who commanded there, after having repulsed the advanced 
party of Gen. Sumte?', the next eveniiig destroyed his 
stores, and relreated towards Charleston. He was close" 
ly pursued by Lieut. Col. Lee, with the legion, and Lieut. 
Col Hampton, with the state cavalry. The legion came 
up with them near Shnbrick's plantation, and took their 
rear guard and all their b.ti^gage. Col. Maham and Capt. 
Armstrong, of Lee's legion, at the head uf only fuui teen 
men, charged through a considt^rable part of their lines, 
and escaped with the loss of tw) men. Gen.Su.mter detach- 
ed at the same lime, fifty or sixty infantry, commanded 
by Col. Taylor, to support Gen. Lee, and succeeded in tak- 
ing a number of prisoners after the charge was made by 
Col. Maham. Generals Sumter and Marion, after some 
hours, came up with the main body ; but by this time 



280 

they had secured themselves, by taking an advantageous 
pusi !(i a range of houses. An attack washouevtr made, 
and continued with spirit^ till upw irds of forty wire kill- 
ed or wounded by the fire from the houses. The Britisli 
lost, in these difierent enga,g;ements, 140 prisoners, bedsides 
several killed and woundetl; all the baggage of the 19th 
regiment, and above 100 hurses, and several wagons. 

Soon after these events Lord RawJon, driven from al- 
most the whole of his posts — baffled in ail his schemes — 
and overwhelmed with vexation, sailed for Europe. In 
the course of his command he aggravated the Uiiavoidable 
calamities of war by many acts of severity, v\hich ydmit 
of no other apology, than that they were supposed to be 
useful to the interests of his royal master. 

The two opposing armies were now within fifteen miles 
of each other, on aright line, yet intervened by two rivers. 
As boats could not be procured, the American army was 
obliged to take a circuit of seventy n)iltS, with ihe view of 
more conveniently crossing the Wateree and Congaree. 
Tiie whole American force, thus collected, proceeded the 
next morning to attack the Briiish arn)y, comn.ancied by 
Lieut. Col. Stewart. On the approach ef the Aniencans, 
the British had retired from the Congaree, about torty 
miles nearer Charleston, and taken post at Eutaw Sj>rings. 
Green drew up his litile force, consisting of about tw^o 
th(-usa:,d men, in two lines. The front consisted of the 
militia from North and Sduth Carolina, commanded bj' 
Generals Marion and Pickens, and by Col. De Mdmedy. 
The second consisted of the conlinenial troops from JN .rth 
Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, led on by Gen. Sumner, 
Lieut. Col. Campbell, and Col. Otho Williams. L<eut. 
Col. Lee, with his legion, and Lieut. Col. Hammond with 
his regiment of state troops, covered the right flank; Lieut. 
Col. Henderson, with his state troops, covered the left. 
Lieut. Col. Washington with his cavalry, and Capt. Kirk- 
wood with the Delaware troops, formed a corps of reserve. 
As the Americans advanced to the attack they fell in with 



281 

two advanced parties of the British, three or four miles 
ahead of their main army. These, beino- briskly charged 
by the leojion and state troops, soon retired. The front 
line continued to fire and advance on the British till the ac- 
tion became general, and till they, in their turn were eblig-- 
ed to give way. They vvere wtdl supported by Gen. Sum- 
ner's North Cartilina brig:ide of contmentah, though they 
had been under liiscipline only for a kw weeks, and were 
chief!)/ composed of militiam.en, who had been transferred 
to the continental service, to make reparation for their pre- 
cipitate flight in a former act i'n. In tlie hottest of the en- 
gagement, when great execution was. doing on both si^les^ 
Col Williams and Lieut Col. Campbell, with the Mary- 
land and Virginia continentals, vvere ordered by Gen. 
Green to charge, with trailed arms. Nothing could surpass 
the intrepidity < f both officers and men on this occasion. 
They rushed on, in go(fd order, through a heavy cannorrade 
and a shower of musketry, with such unshaken resnlution, 
that they bore down all before them. The state troops of 
South Carcdina upon the left were deprived of their gallant 
leader, Lieut. Col. Henderson, who was wounded very early 
in the action; but they were nevertheless boldly led on by 
the second in command, Lieut. Col. Hampton, to a very 
spirited and successful charge, in which they took upwards 
of a hundred prisoners. Lieut Col. Washington brought 
up the corps-de-reserve on the left, and charged so briskl}'- 
with his cavalry, and Captain Kirkwood's light infantry, 
as gave them no time to rally or form. The British were 
closely pursued, and upwards of five hundred prisoners 
were taken. On their retreat, they took post in a strong 
hrick house, and in impenetrable shrubs, and a picquetted 
garden. From these advantageous positions they renewed 
the action. Lieut. Col. Washington made every possible 
exertion to dislodge them from the thickets, but failed in the 
atte'inpt ; had his horse shot under him, was wounded, and 
taken prisoner. Four six pounders were ordered up be- 
fore the house from which the British were firing under 



282 

cover. These pieces finally fell into their hands, and the 
Americans re'ired out of the reach of their fire. They 
left a strong picquet on the field of battle and retreated to 
the nearest water in their rear. In the evening of the next 
day Lieut. Col, Stewart destroyed a e;reat quantity of his 
stores, abandoned the Eutaw, and moved towards Charles- 
ton, leaving upwards of seventy of his wounded and a thou- 
sand stand of arms. He was pursued for several miles but 
with ut effect. The loss of the British amounted to up- 
wards of 1 100 : that of the Americans about 500, in which 
number were sixty officers. Among the killed of Green's 
army the brave Lieut. Col. Campbell, of the Virginia line, 
was the theme of universal lamentation. While with great 
firmness he was leading on his brigade to that charge which 
determined the fate of the day, he received a mortal wound. 
After his fall he inquired who gave way ; and being inform- 
ed the British were fleeing in all quarters, he added. ' I 
HIE coKTEKTED,' and immediately expired. 

Congress honored Gen. Green, for his decisive conduct 
with a British standard and a gold medal, and also voted 
their thanks to the diff'^rent corps and their commanders. 

After the action at th'^ Eutaws the Americans retired to 
their position on the high hills of Santee, and the British 
took pi st in the vicinity of Monk's Corner. While they 
lay there a small party of American cavalry, commanded by 
Col Maham took upwards of eighty prisoners within 
sight of their main army. The British no more acted with 
their usual vigor. On the slightest appearance of danger, 
they discovered a disposition to flee, scarcely inferior to 
what was exhibited the year before by the American mili- 
tia. 

In about two months after the action at Eutaw, the main 
body of the American army was put in motion under Col. 
Williams. Green, with two hundred horse and two hun- 
dred infantry, advanced by private roads, and appeared 
near Dorchester, so unexpectedly and with such confidence, 
as induced the British to believe that the whole army was 



Zijli 



close in the rear. This manoeuvre had the intended effect. 
They abandoned their outposts, and retired with their 
whole force to the quarterhouse on Charleston Neck. By 
this means, all the rice between Edisto and Ashley rivers, 
was savfcd to the Americans. 

The defence of the country was now given up, and the 
conquerors, who had lately carried their arms to the ex- 
tremities of the state, seldom aimed at any thing more than 
to secure themselves in Charleston Neck, and to keep a 
communication with the sea islands, on which they had col- 
lected great numbers of cattle. Yet they made some excur- 
sions with cavalry. One of the most important was in Februa- 
ry, 17S2. While Gen. Marion was attending his duty as a 
member of the Legislature, at Jacksonborough, his brigade 
was surprised near the Santee, by a party of British horse, 
commanded by that spirited and judicious officer, Lieut. Col. 
Thomson. The late lamented Count Rumford, (the friend of 
the poor,) Major Benson, an American officer, highly es- 
teemed by his countrymen, Thomas Broughton, a young 
gentleman of an ancient family in South Carolina, and 
some others, were killed. The remainder of the brigade 
then in camp was for sometime dispersed. In a few days 
the British retired within their lines, and the militia reas- 
sembled. 

In the summer of 1783, the British announced their in- 
tention of evacuating Charleston. Throughout this year 
the Americans acted chiefly on the defensive. A short 
time before the evacuation, an attempt was made against 
a British detachment, on James Island. In this unsuccess- 
ful enterprise, Capt. Wiimot, a brave and worthy officer of 
the Maryland line, lost his life. This was the last drop of 
blood shed in thn American war, in this state. 

After Gen, Green moved from the high hills of Santee 
into the low country near Charleston, a scene of inactivity 
succeeded, different from the busy operations of the late 
campaign. He was unable to attempt any thing against 

M M 



284 

the British within their lines, and they declined risking 
any general action without them. 

While the American soldiers lay encamped in this inac- 
tive situation, their tattered rags were so completely worn 
out, that seven hundred of them were as naked as they were 
buri;, excepting a small slip of cloth about their vvaists ; 
and they were nearly as destitute of meat as of clothing. 
In this condition they lay for three months, within four 
hours march of the British garrison in Charleston, which 
contained in it more regular troops than tnere were conti- 
nentals in the American army. Though the^- hsr^ -abun- 
dant reason to complain, yet, while they were ev^ry day 
marching, and almost every week fighting, they were in 
good health, good spirits, and in good hurnor ; but when 
their enemy was confined within their fortifications, and 
they were inactive, they became sickly and discontented, 
and a few began to be mutinous. Their long arrears of 
pay, the deficiency of their clothing, and their want of 
many comforts, were forgotten whilst constant action em- 
ployed their minds and bodies ; but when an interruption 
of hostilities gave them leisure to brood over their calami- 
ties, these evils were presented to their imaginations in ag- 
gravated colors. A plan was seriously laid to deliver their 
gallant and victorious leader into the hands of the British ; 
but the whole design was happily discovered and prevented 
from being carried into execution. io the honor of the 
continental army, it may with justice be added, that, not- 
withstanding the pressure of their many sufferings, the 
whole number concerned in this plot did not exceed 
twelve. 

In the course of the year 1782, John Matthews, gover- 
nor of South Carolina, concerted measures with some of 
the citizens of Charleston, who wished to make their peace 
with their countrymen, for sending out of the British lines 
necessary clothing for the almost naked continentals. When 
their distresses had nearly arrived to that point beyond 
which human nature can bear no more, Joshua Lock- 



:J.oo 



wood, under the direction of Gov. Matthews, brought out 
of ChaHsston, a large quantity of articles, which were 
most need(^.d in the American camp. This seasonable sup- 
ply, ihouj^h much short of their due, quieted the minds of 
the suffering soldiers. Tranquillity and good order were 
restored in the camp, and duty was cheerfully performed. 
It is impossible to do justice to that invincible fortitude 
which was displayed by both officers and men in the cam- 
paigns of 1780 and 17SL They encountered fatigues, 
which, if particularly related, would appear almost in- 
credible. They had scenes of suffering to bear up under, 
of which citizens in the private walks of life can form no 
adequate idea. Without pay, almost without clothing, 
and often with but a scanty portion of the plainest provi- 
sions, they were exposed to the scorching heat of the day, 
and the baleful vapours "S the night. When sinking un- 
der the fatigues of repeated successions of forced marches, 
they were destitute of every comfort, suitable to their 
situation. But to all these accumulated hardships, the 
greatest part of them submitted with patience and magna- 
nimity, which reflected honor on human nature, and which 
was never exceeded by any army in the world. 

The evacuation of Charleston did not take place until 
the 14th of December, 1783, although it was officially 
announced by Gen. Leslie on the 7th of August. On that, 
and the succeeding days, the British Vv^ent on board their 
shipping, and the town was entered by Governor Matthews 
and the A merican army, without any confusion or disor- 
der. Those vvho remained in Charleston felt themselves 
happy in being delivered from the severities of a garrison 
life. The exiled citizens experienced sensations more ea- 
sily conceived than expressed, on returning to their houses 
and estates. To crown their other blessings, provisional 
articles of peace were soon announced to have been signed 
at J^aris, on the 15th of November, 1182, by which the king 
of Great Britain acknowledged "the United States of 
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode 



Island, New York, New Jersy, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ma- 
ryland, Virginia, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, and Georgia, to 
he free, sovereign and independent states ; that he treated 
with thdm as such ; and for himself, his heirs, and suc- 
cessors, relinquished all claims to the government, propri- 
etary or territorial rights of the same." The patriot ex- 
ulted in the acknowledged independence of his country J 
the soldier rejoiced that the toils of war were ended, and 
the object of it fully obtained. The farmer redoubled his 
industry, from the fileasing conviction that the produce of 
his labor would be secured to him, without any danger 
from British bayonets or American impress warrants. 
Cheerfulness and good humor took possession of minds^ 
that during seven years, had been continually occupied with 
anxiety and distress. The army was soon after disbanded. 
Such at that time was the situation of the finances of the 
United States, that congress was scarcely able to discharge 
to that virtuous army, which with the price of their blood 
had secured their independence, as much of the arrears of 
many years pay as was sufficient to defray their expenses, 
in returning to their respective habitations. The laurels 
they had so dearly earned, the applause of their country- 
men which they had eminently obtained, and the plaudits 
of their consciences, which they honestly possessed, were 
almost the only rewards they carried home at the termina- 
tion of a war in which many had injured their constitu- 
tions, and all had diminished their fortunes. Sympathi- 
zing with the distresses of their countrymen—sensible of 
their inability to pay them their stipulated due — and con- 
fiding in their justice, to make them future retribution, 
they cheerfully relinquished the uniform of the military 
for the plain garb of the citizen. The private soldier ex. 
changed his bayonet and firelock for the implements of 
husbandry, and betook himself to rural occupations. Sub- 
alterns, captains, field, and general officers, returned with 
pleasure to their former civil employments. 



2§7 



GENERAL REMARKS. 

The conductor the British army in this revolutionary wafj 
towards the citizens of this country, however highly to be 
deprecated and condemned, admits of some shadow of ex- 
tenuation : but the conduct of the tories, those of our own 
citizens who, n t content with differing from us in opinio», 
and remaining neutral, cruelly took up arms against us, ad- 
mits of no palliation. Revengeful in the extreme, many of 
them acted more like savages than civilized beings. The 
distinction of whig and tory took its rise in the year 1775, 
and parties soon after rose so high that the ties of nature 
were in several instances dissolved ; countrymen, neigh- 
bors, friends, and brothers, took diflerent sides, and ranged 
themselves under the opposing standards of the contending 
factions. Under the sanction of subduing rebellion, private 
revenge was gratified, many houses were burnt, and many 
people inhumanly murdered Matters remained in this 
situation for the greatest part of a year after the surrender 
of Charleston. 

General Green's return to South Carolina, in the spring 
of 1781, reversed every thing; and Governor Rutledge, 
by his exertions, re-established order and security, through 
the vigilance of the magistrates. 

In the close of the year 1781, whilst the American army 
were in the low country, a desperate band f tories adopt- 
ed the infernal scheme of taking their last revenge, by car- 
rying fire and swor 1 inro the settlement of the whig mili- 
tia. At the head uf this band was Major William Cun- 
ningham of the British militia. Having reached the back 
settlements, far in the rear of the American army, they 
there began to plunder, burn, and murder. In the unsus- 
pecting hour of sleep and domestic security, they entered 
the houses of the solitary farmers, and sacrificed to their 
revenge the obnoxious head of the family. Their cruelties 



288 

induced some small parties to associate and arm in self-de- 
fence. Capt. Turner and twenty men had, on these prin- 
ciples, taken post in a house, and defended themselves till 
their ammunition was nearly expended ; after which they 
surrendered, on receiving assurances that they should be 
treated as prisoners of war. Notwithstanding this solemn 
agreement, Capt. Turner and his whole party were put to 
instant death by Cunningham and the men under his com- 
mand. Soon after this massacre the same party of tories 
attacked a number of the American militia in the district 
of Ninety-six, commanded by Col. Hayes, and set fire to 
the house in which they had taken shelter. The only al- 
ternative left was either to be burned or to surrender them- 
selves prisoners. The last being preferred, Col. Hayes 
and Capt Daniel Williams, were ordered to be hung at 
once on the pole of a fodder stack. This breaking, they 
both fell ; on which Major William Cunningham cut them 
to pieces with his own sword; then turning upon the others 
he continued on them the operations of his savage barbari- 
ty, till the powers of nature being exhausted, and his en- 
leebled limbs refusing to administer any longer to his insa- 
tiate fury, he called upon his comrades to complete the 
dreadful work, by killing whomsoever of the prisoners they 
pleased. They instantly put to death such of them as they 
personally disliked. Only two fell in action, fourteen 
were deliberately cut to pieces after their surrender. Their 
names and rank were as follows ; Col. Joseph Hayes, Capt. 
Daniel Williams, Lieut. Christopher H!ardy, Lieut, John 
Neel, Clement Hancock, Joseph Williams^ Joseph Irby, 
gen. Joseph Irby, jun. John Milven, James Feris, John 
Cook, Great Irby, Benjamin Goodman, Yancy Saxon, 

In consequence of these civil wars between the whigs 
and tories, the incursions of the Indians, and the other ca- 
lamities resulting from the operations of the British and 
American armies, South Carolina exhibited scenes of dis- 
tress which were shocking to humanity. 

Though the Britisb^ in the career of their conquests, had 



inculcated the necessity and propviety of transferring alk" 
giancc from the vanquished to the victor, yet they treated 
with the utmost severity, those unfortunate men, when in 
their power, who having once accepted of British protec- 
tion, acted on these very principles afterwards in rejoining 
their victorious countrymen. 

Among the sufferers on this score, the illustrious CoL 
Hayne stands conspicuous. After the capitulation of 
Charleston, this gentleman, situated as he was then, thought 
it would be both more safe and honorable to go within the 
British lines, and surrender himsel' a voluntary prisoner^ 
Reports of his superior abilities and influencej uniformly 
exerted in the American cause, operated with the conquer- 
ors to refuse him a parole ; though they were in the habit 
of daily granting that indulgence to others of the inhabit- 
ants. Owing to imperious circumstances, Col. Hayne 
was compelled to subscribe a declaration of allegiance to 
the king, expressly objecting, however, to that clause 
which required him "'with his arms to support the royal 
government." The violation afterwards of this contract 
by the British, and their inability to protect him, accord- 
ing to promise, induced Col. Hayne to consider himself as 
released from all engagements to the British command* 
ers. He resumed his arms, was appointed to the com- 
mand of a regiment, and sent out a small party, which 
penetrated within seven miles of the capital, (July 1781,} 
took Gen. Williamson prisoner, and retreated to the head 
quarters of the regiment. Such was the anxiety of the 
British commandant to rescue Gen. Williamson, that he 
ordered out his whole cavalry on that business. Coh 
Hayne unfortunately fell into their hands. Though he 
had conducted himself peaceably, while under the British 
government, and had injured no man, yet for having re- 
sumed his arms, after accepting British protection, he 
was, when brought to Charleston, confined in a loathsome 
provost. At first he was promised a trial, and had council 
prepared to justify his conduct by the laws of nations, and 



2m 

usages of war ; but this was finally refused. Had he been 
considered as a British subject, he had an undoubted 
right to a trial ; if as an American officer, to his parole ; 
but ill violation of every principle of the constitution, he 
was ordered for execution by the arbitrary mandate of 
Lord Rawdon and Lieut. Col. Balfour. 

Thus fell, in the bloom of life, the illustrious Col. 
Hayne, a martyr to the cause of the liberties of his coun- 
try. 

The enemy seemed to have laid aside towards us every 
principle of humanity and justice. After their landing 
Jn Carolina in 1780, they confined some of their prisoners 
in the vaults with the dead : they were crowded on board 
prison-ships, where they suffered every inconvenience, 
that could result from putrid air, and the want of the com- 
forts of life. The condition of these unfortunate men was 
truly deplorable They were crowded in these ships in 
such numbers, that several were obliged to stand up, for 
Want of room to lie down. The sick could obtain no re- 
lief, and in consequence of this cruel treatment, upwards 
of eight hundred of these brave men [nearly one third of 
the whole] expired, in the short space of thirteen months' 
captivity. Out of 1900 taken at the surrender of Charles- 
ton, on the 12th of May, 1780, and several hundreds 
more, taken afterwards at Camden and Fishing Creek, on 
the 16th and 18th of August, of the same year, there 
were only 740 restored to the service of their country, 
when a general exchange took place, June 1781. 

The numerous indignities and insults which our citizens 
experienced at this time, cannot i)ere be told : enough has 
been shown to prove the greatness of fhat debt of grati- 
tude, which we owe to those noble-minded men, who ex- 
Jbibited such exalted patriotism, bravery, and unshaken 
Integrity, in the cause of their country. 

Little respect was paid by the enemy to the rights of 
private property, even of their adherents. Immense 
quantities of plate were taken away by them, and nu- 



291 

merous negroes shipped off for the West Indies. It has 
been computed by good judges, that between 1775 and 
1783, this state lost twenty-five thousand negroes. 

Though South Carolina suffered so seriously, it gene- 
rously forgave the unfortunate adherents to royal govern- 
ment. The Legislature, after the war, permitted the 
greater part of the exiles to return. Though labouring 
under an immense load of public debt, contracted during 
that war, this state nobly restored confiscated property, in 
its actual possession, to an amount very little short of two 
and a half millions of dollars. By this forbearance, moder- 
ation, and good sense, party distinctions were done away? 
and all joined heartily in promoting the interests of their 
common country. 

Thus ended the most important political event which 
ever occurred in this, or any other part of the world. 
Thus ended the military operations of South Carolina, 
never since seriously renewed, and which we trust neces- 
sity never will require to be again renewed. War, in its 
best estate, is the school of every vice ; destructive of the 
best interests of a country, (especially of this.) and fatal to 
its liberties. The policy of our country is to preserve 
peace with all nations. 

The United States in 1812 engaged in a second contest 
with Great Britain ; but South Carolina experienced little 
or no inconvenience from it, as no serious attempts were 
made to invade her territories, though our citizens on 
the sea-coast were kept in continual alarm by the occa- 
sional appearance of the enemy's fleets. 



292 



MILITIA SYSTEM. 

The militia of the state are organized according to the 
acts of congress on this suhject. The governor is the Com- 
mander in Chief. Should any accident occasion his place to 
be vacated, the lieutenant-governor succeeds constitutional- 
ly to the same ; and should any misfortune attend him, the 
President of the Senate will be commander in chief, with 
executive powers ; beyond this no person is contemplated 
in the constitution. 

The state is divided into five military divisions, each 
commanded by a major general. There are ten brigadier- 
generals, commanding as many brigades. Forty-three 
regiments commanded by as many colonels, lieutenant 
colonels and majors. There are also attached to each brig- 
ade a regiment, battalion, or squadron of artillery and cav- 
alry, commanded by their own colonels or majors. The 
staff consists of one adjutant and inspector general, one 
quarter master-general, five deputy adjutant generals^, 
five deputy inspector generals. Five deputy quarter 
master generals, besides the usual assistant deputy officers. 

The militia of the state thus organized are particularly 
under the direction of a brigade inspector, with the rank of 
major for each brigade, and of an adjutant general, holding 
the rank of lieutenant colonel, who superintends the whole, 
and reviews the militia regimentally throughout the state 
from year to year. Returns are made at least once in every 
year to the governor, of the effective force of the state, the 
military discipline, the militia, &c,; and the governor makes 
an annual tour through the state for the purpose of review- 
ing the troops. 

By the militia laws of South Carolina every able bodied 
white man between the ages of IS and 45 is enrolled in the 
militia, and free people of color are enrolled as pioneers ; 
any number of tbem not exceeding one third part may he 



29^ 



marched out of the state by order of the executive on parti- 
cular emergencies, and under certain conditions ; in which 
case they are entitled to receive the same pay and rations, 
and are subject to the same rules and regulations as United 
States troops. 

All the officers of the militia below the rank of colonel 
are elected by ballot from the company or troop in which 
such vacanc}^ may occur : from the colonel upwards they 
are elected by the vote of the commissioned officers. 

The effective force of the state is equal to 50,000 men. 
The last returns (which do not include those above 45 years 
of age, and under IS) amount to 43,000. Of these 4,500 
are cavalry, regularly embodied, uniformed, and trained ; 
S3SOO are artillery, and 36,000 are infantry and rifleraeiio 



'2»4 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



The deep interest which the author feels in the prosperity 
of his native state induces him here to introduce, according to 
promise, a review of one of the most (if not the most) impor- 
tant subjects of internal improvement which ever could com- 
mand the consideration of South Carolina. Though the whole 
state is interested in this subject, that section of it lying below 
the granite and forming the alluvial region is more intensely 
so. Upon his fellow-citizens resident in this portion of the 
state would the author particularly call and request their serious 
attention to the following remarks, and afterwards their zeal- 
ous co-operation, their influence and physical means to carry 
into operation a work, which, if executed properly, will bring 
incalculable blessings upon them and posterity. 

INTERNAL IMPROVEMRNT. 

Love of country is implanted in the human breast for wise 
purposes — it invigiirates the mind in the pursuit of every mea- 
sure which tends to promote best interests, and prepares it to 
make the sacrifice of even life itself, to defend its just rights. 
The love of home is a natural instinct which attaches us to the 
place where we were born, and renders every thing around us 
more consonant to our feelings, and more conducive to our 
happiness. It acts like a talisman upon the heart, riveting its 
partiality to places, which often in themselves possess nothing 
worthy of regard, but on the contrary, are forbidding in their 
aspect. The Laplander will cheerfully inhabit the inhospita- 
ble regions of the polar circle — a lantl made up "of a huge 
congeries of frightful rocks and stupendous mountains"— 
where the cold is so irttense, that even mercury itself is con- 
gealed! — where'the heat, of what little summer is experienced, 
is equally intolerable — -and where, for months, the cheering 
/ight of the sun is never seen ! yet remove him to climes, in 



295 



our estimation more happy, and he would sigh to return to liis 
fields of snow, to his miserable habits of life. 

In the lower parts of this State, there exists too powerful 
an inducement to a change of residence, in consequenee of the 
insalubrity of the country. If there is any thing which would 
operate to alienate our attachment to the land of our nativity, 
it is the absence of health — a regard to the personal comfort of 
our children, and those near and dear to us, will urge us on 
to make the sacrifice of partiality to place, and induce us to 
bid adieu to the happy scenes of childhood. 

The wisest policy the State can pursue, is to put an end to 
an evil which depopulates the country, weakens the attachment 
of its citizens for home, and destroys their domestic comfort, 
by keeping their minds in a state of perpetual anxiety. 

The strongest evidence of the prosperity of a State, lies in 
the attachment of its citizens for home. To insure this, it is 
not only requisite, that equitable laws should exist, but that 
Legislative attention should be given to such measures as will 
secure the personal comfort of the people, and open the way 
to an increase of numbers. An efficient population, consti- 
tutes the wealth and power of a State, and it will be respected 
in the eyes of other States only in the ratio of this increase. 
If this be true every practicable method should be pursued to 
add to its population, especially associated with the agricultural 
interests of the State. — The cultivation of the soil is the very- 
corner stone of our political and domestic prosperity. It is 
the first of the .arts that a people should attend to— without it 
neither commerce nor manufactures can flourish. 

The small section of our low country,incapable of cultivation 
to any advantage at present, must operate against the exten- 
sion of our agricultural interests. Before we can effect this, 
we must not only improve the natural capacities of the country, 
so as to support a large population, but also make this country 
healthy. Below the granite lormation, or within the alluvial 
region, our State, in its natural condition, is, and cannot be 
otherwise, than insalubrious. This is the greatest physical 
evil we have to contend with, and which we must remove if we 
wish to secure to South Carolina its high standing in the scale 
of the Union. 



296 

To this noble work, the author would call the serious atten- 
tion of his fellow-citizens, especially in the low country. 
His present object will be, to endeavor, 1st, to develope the 
cause of the insalubrity of our low country ; 2il, to point out 
the means which are within our power to remedy the evil in 
question ; and Sd, to prove how intimately our dearest interests 
public and private, are connected with it. The importance of 
the subject leads him to anticipate a patient investigation of it, 
and some indulgence in the desultory manner in which he shall 
treat it. 

We have, fellow-citizens, slumbered long enough in the lap 
of ease, contented to bear the evils which exist, and which 
liave always operated to retard the improvement of our low 
country. For a long time we witnessed with incliiFerence the 
i-apid march made by our sister States in the great work of 
Internal Improvement, before the spirit of active wisdom 
roused us from an inglorious ease ; we have entered the field 
of labor and fatigue, and proved ourselves worthy of the high 
destiny that av/aits us | we are now convinced of the great 
truth in political economy, that, in the same ratio as a State im- 
proves its facilities of intercourse, and multiplies its capacities 
to support a growing population, in the same proportion are its 
power and prosperity increased. We have already overcome 
obstacles, which, but a few years ago, would have been consi- 
dered impracticable. We are, even in this incipient stage of 
the business, beginning to realize some of the benefits arising 
from the execution of the works ordered by the Legislature. 
But the intrinsic value of what has been done cannot be pro- 
perly appreciated until these works are all completed | then 
ivill every class of the community find, how much the expen- 
ses of living have been reduced by the facilities with which ar- 
ticles are transported to and from a market. Although, (as 
Dr. Franklin has observed,) '' we have paid dear for our whis- 
tle," yet this very circumstance must tend to our future advan- 
tage, for the human mind will grow wise only from experience, 
and it is the best schoolmaster. We now have gained this ex- 
perience, possess professional skill, secured good mechan- 
ics ? and are able to prosecute our works under almost equal 
advantages with any of our sister States. As we have laid the 



297 

foundation of the great work of Internal Improvement, let na 
patiently, and with persevering industry, proceed in raising 
that superstructure which shall establish the glory and pros- 
perity of our beloved countr3\ 

The unhealthiness of the lower section of this State, has 
always been a powerful barrier to ics improvement in popula- 
tion and agriculture. Our citizens have beheld with regret the 
.necessity of an annual change of residence, and have noticed 
the frequent emigrations from their country, with feelings of 
mortification and pain. This evil has not been a subject of 
reflection merely with those whose more immediate interests 
were involved in it. It has occupied the thoughts of every 
enlightened lover of his country. The inhabitants of the up- 
per part of the State, whose local situation se.cures them the 
blessings of health, are at least conscious of the political dis- 
advantages they sustain, if they cannot realize the personal 
inconveniences which others undergo. All that can promote 
the glory or prosperity of his country, is dear to the patriot ? 
and all that can retard it, becomes a subject of lamentation. 

The evil under consideration has hitherto been looked upoa 
as irremediable, and we have contented ourselves with endea- 
vours to endure what we saw no hope of removing. It is my 
design now, however, to show, that this is an error, and to 
prove, that, so far from this evil being irremediable, it lies ful- 
ly within our power to remove it, and to render this country 
healthy, populous, and rich. 

According to the order laid down of treating our subject, 
we have, 1st, to endeavor to develope the cause of the insalu- 
brity of our low country .—This appears so palpable, to every 
reflecting mind, as scarcely to require investigation. How- 
ever, I shall proceed briefly to examine it. 

Our low country is divided by innumerable streams, and its 
surface indented by numerous swamps and bays. Here nature 
revels in all her luxuriance of vegetation ; and when she casts 
the leaf, the decomposition of this vast body of vegetable mat- 
ter generates a mephitic vapour, which, wafted by the winds, 
spreads its baleful influence around, and poisons the streams 
of life in all that inhale it. The simple fact of the compara- 
tive health enjoyed on the sandy ridges, which intervene and 



« 298 

lie remote from these swamps, is sufficient to confirm us in 
the opinion that these vast ravines of decaying vegetable mat- 
ter, are the real sources of disease in this country, if our own 
experience, and the nature of the case, did not satisfy us of it. 

The surface of land covered by the swamps is almost incredi- 
ble 1 Even after deducting the water courses, and salt marshes, 
the area is computed to be not less than 2000 square miles, or 
one million two hundred and eighty thousand acres I What 
clouds of miasma, invisible to the sight, almost continually rise 
from these sinks of corruption! and who can calculate the ex. 
tent of its pestilential influence ? We may hence be able to 
trace the origin of epidemical diseases, which, in some seasons, 
ravage the country ; and which are caused by the prevalence 
of particular .winds, and certain other incidental circum- 
stances. 

This miasma is the result of the mutual action of water and 
heat upon decaying vegetable matter. The presence of stag- 
nant waters in these swamps, is the ostensible cause of the gen- 
eration of this miasma. The extent of these is equal to the ex- 
tent of our swamps ; hence we may be able to account for the 
excessive moisture of our atmosphere, and the sudden, frequent 
and violent floods of rain which deluge this country during the 
%varm season. The phenomena of rain is only to be explained 
upon the principles of evaporation ; the degree of this is in 
proportion to the moist surface exposed to the influence of the 
sun's heat. Experiments «o determine the ratio have been 
made, and it is ascertained that an acre of ground disperses 
into the air upwards of 1600 gallons of water in 12 hours of a 
summer's day, even when there had been no rain for a consi- 
derable length of time. After a rain, the quantity was found 
to increase to 1900 gallons in the same length of time. Ac- 
cording, then, to this rule, we find that, from the surface of 
our low country, not less than 500 millions of hogsheads of 
water are daily taken up into the atmosphere !— -independent 
of what is drawn in from the ocean, and what descends from 
the mountains, &c. The ocean loses many millions of gallons 
of water hourly, by evaporation. The Mediterranean alone, 
says Bishop Watson, loses more by this means than it re 



299 

ceives from the Nile, the Tiber, the Rhone, tlie Po, and all 
the other rivers that fall into it. 

Satisfied, then, that to our swamps, in their present condition, 
we are to attribute the cause of the evil in question,! will pro- 
ceed to point out the means which are within our power to 
remedy this evil. 

Happy is it for us, fellow-citizens, that the plan to be pro- 
posed to effect this, is as simple, as it is comparatively easy of 
execution. Its simplicity may, with some, induce the idea 
that it could not produce the general good proposed ; however, 
when we have gone more into the examination of the subject, 
I trust we shall be fully convinced of its efficacy. 

This plan embraces a general system of embanking, clearing^ 
and draining all our rivers and swamp lan<ls, rendering them 
fit for dry culture, and capable of being inhabited by a white 
population. 

I am perfectly aware that, at first sight, the feasibility of 
carrying a plan of this extensive nature into execution, may be 
questioned by those to whom the question is new ; but I hope 
to be able, not only to prove is perfect practicability, but that 
the work itself may be effected by the State without imposing 
any additional taxes on the citizens. 

Before I enter upon the merits of our subject, let us take 
a general view of some particulars which are associated 
with it. 

There appears to be an impression on the minds of some, 
that the natural situation of several of our swamps, militates 
against the hope of draining them ; but this idea is merely hy- 
pothetical ; arising from a want of consideration of the premi- 
ses. I have little hesitation in saying, from facts which have 
come to my knowledge, that there is not a single swamp ot 
any consequence in this country, but what has sufficient de- 
scent from its head to its place of discharge, to allow its 
waters to be drained off. This conclusion may be further 
drawn, from a knowledge of the geological formation of this 
country. Have those who doubt on this point, ever noticed 
the rise of the waters during freshets, at the mouth of the 
swamps which discharge into the rivers, and the distance whicli 

o o 



300 

these back up them ? If in possession of such data, we may 
easily calculate the average fall per mile, of such swamps. In 
no case, I presume, would this be less than three inches in 
the mile. Now, where waters run freely, a very small descent 
is requisite to produce a current — one inch only in the mile, 
will aive a velocity of half a mile per hour. I question whe- 
ther any of our inland swamps have less than three times this 
fall in the mile. Let us endeavor to prove this : — The Four- 
Hole swamp runs in an elevation of country from 80 to 90 feet 
above the tide, and from 50 to 60 feet above where it dischar- 
ges into the Edisto river ; its extent is about 46 miles j this 
gives an average descent, upon the smallest elevation, of 13 
inches in the mile. Again — the Great Swamp, or New 
River, in Beaufort district, rises about 40 miles in the country, 
beyond tide mark, and at an elevation of nearly 70 feet above 
its mouth, which gives over 18 inches fall in the mile. Black 
Swamp, in the same district, emptying into Savannah river, has 
nearly the same ratio of descent in the mile. These few ex- 
amples, show the natural elevation of this country, and will af- 
ford us some rule by which we may calculate the heights of the 
heads of our swamps above tide water, where they finally dis- 
charge. — What has no doubt given rise to the idea of the im- 
practicability of draining these swamps, is, noticing the slug" 
gish movement of their streams, and the frequent appearance 
of stagnant pools there. But the first is the consequence of 
the perpetual obstructions which the current meets with in its 
course, and the latter results from the heavy rains, which sweep 
down bodies of sand from the adjoining ridges, and create a 
bar across the channels. 

As a general guide in forming a correct opinion on this sub- 
ject, I subjoin the following exhibit, which I think will be 
found to approximate very near to the truth, of the relative 
levels of this country above the ocean. The principal swamps 
begin to make their appearance where the granite region ends, 
and the alluvial formation commences. This point 1 estimate, 
by the current of the rivers, to be about 150 feet above the 
tide. Here rise the two Edistos, Black River, Little Pee Dee, 
&c. The upper alluvial line crosses the primitive rivers, at 
Augusta on the Savannah, Granby on the Congaree, a little 



301 

King of Egypt, is said to have divided the course of the Nile,. 
above Camden on the Wateree, and Cheraw on the Pee Deey 
terminating, in this State, near to where White's Creek in- 
tersects our north-east boundary line. (See State Map.) The 
secondary swamps, such as the Salkehatchie, Coosawhatchie, 
Four-Holes, and Waccamaw River, rise in an elevation of 
country, from 70 to 100 feet above the tide. And the short- 
er streams, such as the Black and Great Swamps, Ashepoo^ 
Ashley and Cooper Rivers, Fair Forest, Cedar Creek, Lake 
Swamp, &c. have their sources at an altitude of from 40 to 
70 feet.* 

Wherever a kind Providence has pointed out the habitation 
of man, the natural condition of the country admits of its im- 
provement, to any extent commensurate with his wants, com- 
forts, and prosperity. Now, the lower part of our state is 
situated under a climate corresponding with the most favored 
countries in the world. It is possessed of a soil, (now however 
neglected,) inexhaustible in its fertility, and notorious for its 
facilities of navigation.! Are we to suppose that the wise 
Governor of the universe has given us a country so highly 
favored, and not enjoined upon us the improvement of its 
natural advantages ? The experience of every people denies 
such a thought. Let us go to Egypt, to India, to China, to 
Holland, and we shall behold with surprise and delight, the 
numerous blessings which have crowned the industry and per- 
severance of those people, the result of the improvement of 
their country — a country originally of bogs and marshes, far 
more formidable to reclaim than any pas t of our low country 

* Robertville, in Beaufort district, kas an elevation of 56 feet above 
the tide; Gillesonville, (a summer retreat in the same district, four 
miles N. W. of Coosawhatchie) an altitude equal to 80 feet ; and 
Graham ville, (also a retreat for health, situate on the ridge dividing' 
the waters falling into the Great Swamp and Bee's Creek) 40 feet 
above the tide.-— These elevations have been ascertained from actual 
surveys, and will serve to confirm as far as they go, what I have pre- 
viously advanced. 

f V^e have now an inland navigation equal to 2370 miles, besides 
what we shall gain after the completion of the present works of the 
State — not to notice the numerous creeks and inlets of the sea. 



302 

swamps. Yet they reclaimed them, and rendered a desolate 
country, lands inundated by the sea, not only the most valu- 
able, but the most interesting and beautiful. 

Whilst glancing our eye over the map of the world, and 
drawing a comparison between other countries and our own, 
let us bear in mind this remarkable fact, namely, that the 33d 
degree of north latitude in North America, is the same with 
the 45th degree on the eastern continent, distinguished as a 
line of demarkation between different vegetables. Lines drawn 
parallel with these two points, will pass through countries 
yielding the same productions, and exhibiting very nearly the 
same temperature — a phenomenon which lias never yet been 
satisfactorily explained ; nevertheless the fact is of great im- 
portance to us to know, as it enables us to ascertain what new 
plants, or new branches of industry may be introduced into 
our country. According then to this order of nature, South 
Carolina may cultivate successfully, the productions of the 
South of France, of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey in Europe, 
Hungary, the northern part of Asia, and the middle section of 
China — countries which embrace the most delightful regions 
of the earth. From these we may obtain the vine, the olive, 
the silk-worm grains and fruits of various kinds, as well as 
sheep, goats, mules, and other useful animals. What a cheer- 
ful prospect does this view of the subject open to us ! How 
populous, rich, and powerful, might our country become, if its 
swamps were reclaimed, and the inestimable blessings of health 
secured to it. 

Again — should we examine those countries, the geological 
features of which correspond with the lower section of our 
State, Egypt deserves our first consideration. — Here we dis- 
cover an extent of country, 270 miles in circumference, which 
has been reclaimed, mostly from the sea. The striking coin- 
cidence that exists between a portion of that interesting region, 
and our own, induces me to dwell a little more in detail on 
that part of it which has a particular bearing on our subject. 

According to the Ancient History of Egypt, that country 
was originally a morass : except where Thebes stood, no land 
appeared between Maeris and the Mediterranean sea, a dis- 
tance of seven days' passage on the river. Menes, the first 



S03 



which before washed the foot of the sandy mountain towards 
Libya, and built the celebrated city of Memphis, within tHe 
ancient bed of the river. On the north side of it he made a 
lake, and on the west another, without the walls, and both fed 
by the Nile, wliich flowed along the east side of the town. 
This river constitutes the greatest wonder of Egypt — as it sel- 
dom rains there, it waters the whole country by its regular in- 
undations, supplied by the rains of other countries. To mul- 
tiply so beneficent a river, Egypt was cut into numberless ca- 
nals. The Nile brought fertility every where with its saluta- 
ry streams; united cities one with another, and the Mediterra- 
nean with the Red Sea ; maintained trade at home and abroad, 
and fortified the kingdom against the enemy- — so that it was at 
once the nourisher and protector of Egypt. 

The fields were delivered up to it, but the cities, which 
were raised with immense labor, and stood like islands amids* 
the waters, looked down with joy on the plains which were 
overflowed, and at the same time enriched by the Nile. 

The Greeks gave the name of the Delta to this part of Egypt, 
which, according to M. Savary, comprehends all the country 
between Cairo, the Mediterranean, the isthmus of Suez, and 
Libya. This great extent of country, from the kingdom of 
Barca to Gaza, is either overflowed by the river, or capable of 
being so, which thus fertilizes, in a high degree, a tract of 
country seemingly devoted to perpetual barrenness, on account 
of the want of rain. 

In former times, Egypt was much celebrated for its fertility, 
and there is great reason to believe, that were the same pains 
bestowed upon the cultivation of the ground, and the distribu- 
tion of the waters in a proper manner, the same fertility would 
be found to remain. 

The Delta of Egypt, like the Deltas of our own country, was 
a gift of the river, and it has since been defended from the at- 
tacks of the ocean, by raising dykes around it. Five hundred 
years before the Trojan war, according to Herodotus, the Delta 
was in its infancy ; twelve feet of water being then sufficient 
tQ^overflow it. Strabo tells us, that boats passed over it from 
one extremity to the other, and that its towns, built upon arti- 
ficial eminences, resembled the islands of the Egean sea. At 



304 

the time Herodotus visited this country, 222 feet were 
necessary to cover all the lower Egypt, but the Nile then 
overflowed the country for the space of two days' journey 
to the right and left of the Island. Under the Roman 
empire, twenty-four feet performed the same effect. When 
the Arabs came to have the dominion, twenty-five and a 
half were requisite, and at this day, twenty-seven feet are 
necessary to produce plentiful crops, but the inundation 
stops at Cairo, and the neighbouring country, without be- 
ing extended over the lower Egypt. Sometimes however 
the Nile rises to thirty -three feet, and the cause of this phe- 
nomenon is the mud, for so many years accumulated on 
the island. 

Here, in the space of 3284 years, we see the Delta of 
the Nile, elevated twenty-one feet. Our author, in 1777, 
informs that he twice made the tour of the island during 
the time of the inundation. " The river (says he) flowed 
in full streams in the great branches of Rosetta and Dami- 
etta, as well as in those which pass through the interior 
part of the country ; but it did not overflow the lands> 
except in the lower part where the d5'kes were pierced for 
the purpose of watering the plantations of rice. We 
must not however imagine, as several travellers pretend, 
that this island will continue to rise, and that it will be- 
come unfruitful. As it owes its increase to the settling of 
the mud conveyed thither by the Nile, when it ceases to be 
oveiflowed, it will no longer increase in height ; for it is 
demonstrated, that culture is not sufficient to raise the 
land. 

** It is natural to imagine, that the Delta has increased 
in length, as well as in height ; and of this we may look 
upon the following fact to be a remarkable proof. Under 
the reign of Psammiticus, the Milesians, with thirty ves- 
sels, landed at the mouth of the Bolbitine branch of the 
Nile, now called that of Rosetta. This town, formerly a 
seaport, is now nine leagues distant from the sea ; all 
which space the Delta has increased in length from that 



305 

time to the present. The entrance into Egypt at Rosetta, 
(says Volney) presents even at the present day, under its 
despotic rulers, a most delightful prospect, by the perpe- 
tual verdure of the palm trees on each side, the orchards 
watered by the river, with orange, lemon, and other fruit 
trees, which grow there in vast abundance ; and the 
same beautiful appearance is continued all the way to 
Cairo. 

"The Delta is at present in the most favourable state for 
agriculture, (says M. Savary) washed on the east and west 
by two rivers, formed by the division of the Nile ; each 
of which is as large, and more deep than the Loire, and 
intersected by innumerable rivulets ; it presents to the eye 
an immense garden, all the different compartments of 
which may be easily watered. During the three months 
that the Thebais is under water, the Delta presents fields 
covered with rice, barley, vegetables, and winter fruits. 

" It is also the only part of Egypt where the same field 
produces two crops within the year, the one of rice, the 
other of barley." 

What prodigious changes great rivers occasion on the 
surface of the globe ! How they elevate at their mouths, 
islands, which become at length, larg- portions of the con- 
tinent ! It is thus that the Nile has formed almost all the 
lower Egypt, and created out of the waters, the Delta, 
which is ninety leagues in circumference. It is thus that 
the Meander, constantly repelling the waves of the Medi- 
terranean, and gradually filling up the gulf into which it 
falls, has placed, in the middle of the land, the town of 
Miletes, formerly a celebrated harbor. 

It is thus that the Tigri?, and the Euphrates, let loose 
from the Armenian hills, and sweeping with them in their 
course, the sands of Mesopotamia, are imperceptibly filling 
up the Persian Gulf; and it is thus that all the lower sec- 
tion of the Southern States has been formed, below the 
granite region, equally applicable to all tbat range of coun- 



306 

try from New York to the Gulf of Mexico, as high up as 
the granite formation. 

Thoufijh Mr. Brnce opposes M. Savary's idea, that 
the Delta of Egypt has been produced by the Nile, yet 
from the experience we have in our own rivers, the pre- 
sumption is in favour of M. Savary's opinion. Take only 
the Congaree river as an example, and we shall find that 
the annual deposition on its banks isacenerally half an inch; 
which would give in 100 years, an increase of upwards of 
four feet, and in 1000 years, above forty feet of soil- 
There is no doubt that these depositions have augmented 
much, since the settlement of the back parts of the 
State, the consequences of cultivation. The enriching 
quality of our streams, flowing from the interior of the 
country so far up, can never cease, so long as the uplands 
are improved. Our Deltas have, and will continue to rise, 
more rapidly than ever the Nile did ; for the greater part 
of the country through which this river meanders, is rocky 
and barren. 

The geographical position of South Carolina, entitles 
her to the first rank in the scale of the Union — from the 
productions of her soil ; from her capability of supporting a 
large population, independent of foreign aid, even of her 
sister states ; from her commanding commercial position, 
and her peculiar facilities for internal navigation. 

The climate of South Carolina corresponds with the 
most favoured spots on the globe. 

The delightfulness of the land of promise is ours, with 
the fertility of Egypt ; if we avail ourselves of the advan- 
tages which nature has put into our possession.* 

* There is no country in the world, (says Fenelon) where the soil 
is more fruitful than in Egypt ; which is owing entirely to the Nile. 
For whereas other rivers, when they overflow lands, wash away and 
exhaust their vivific moisture, the Nile, on the contrary, by the ex- 
cellent slime it brings along with it, fattens and enriches them in such 
a manner, as sufficiently compensates for what the foregoing harvest 
Iiad impaired,— The husbandman, in this country, never tires himself 



307 

Egypt had but one river to fertilize her lands, and its 
gifts may be said to have been uncertain. Our State is di- 

with holding the plough, or breaking the clods of earth. As soon as 
the Nile retires, he has nothing to do but to turn up the earth, and 
temper it with a little sand, in order to lessen its rankness ; after which 
he sows it with great ease, and with little or no expense. Two 
months after, it is covered with all sorts of corn and pulse. The 
Egyptians generally sow in October and November, accordmg as the 
waters draw off, and their harvest is in March and April. The same 
land bears, in one year, three or four different kinds of crops. Let- 
tuces and cucumbers are sown first; then corn ; and, after harvest, 
several sorts of pulse, which are peculiar to Egypt. As the sun is 
extremely hot in this country, and rains fall very seldom in it, it is na- 
tural to suppose that the earth would soon be parched, and the corn 
and pulse be burnt up by so scorching a heat, were it not for the ca- 
nals and reservoirs with which Egypt abounds ; and which, by the 
drains from thence, amply supply wherewith to water and refresh 
the fields and gardens. 

"The Nile contributes no less to the nourishment of cattle, which 
is another source of wealth to Egypt. The Egyptians begin to turn 
them out to grass in November, and they graze till the end of March. 
Words could never express how rich their pastures are ; and how fat 
their flocks and herds (which, by reason of the mildness of the air, 
are out night and day) grow in a very little time. During the inun- 
dation of the Nile, they are fed with hay and cut straw, barley and 
beans, which are their common food." 

Let this country be but once drained, rendered healthy, and fit for 
cultivation, and more than the agricultural advantages of Egypt or 
India are ours. 

" There cannot be a finer sight than Egypt at two seasons of the 
year, (says Rollin) for if a man ascends some mountain, or one of the 
largest pyramids of Grand Cairo, in the months of July and August, 
he beholds a vast sea, in which numberless towns and villages appear, 
with several causeways leading from place to place ; the whole inter- 
spersed with groves and fruit trees, whose tops are only visible; all 
which form a delightful prospect. This view is bounded by moun- 
tains and woods, which terminate at the utmost distance the eye can 
discover, in the most beautiful horizon that can be imagined. On 
the contrary, in winter, that is to say, in the months of January and 
February, the whole country is like one continued scene of beautiful 
meadows, whose verdure, enamelled with flowers, charms the eye. — 

p p 



videdinto innumerable streams, many of which flow through 
a great extent of country, and bring down often all the fe- 
cundating properties of the Nile. If ever there was a coun- 
try which required the fostering hand of industry and legis- 
lative attention, and which was capable of repaying the in- 
dustrious laborer a hundred fold, that country is South Car- 
olina. 

I have already intimated that the portions of soil which 
we now cultivate, yield comparatively nothing, to what our 
swamp land would produce. 

In the case of one, perpetual labor is requisite to keep up 
its fertile quality ; in that of the other, the soil is, in itself, 
inexhaustible, and acquisitions of manure are semiannually 
made to it. 

Our low country, under such a state of improvement, 
would present the agricultural scenes of Egypt, in the days 
of her glory, with the additional advantages of refreshing 
showers, and a cooler climate. 

If we look at Holland, we see at least one third of that 
country reclaimed from the ocean, and secured by vast dykes 
and mounds, some of which are 63 feet thick. This indus- 
trious people, with the greatest labor, cut a multitude of ca- 
nals in every part of the low swampy provinces they inhab- 
itj and created a commerce, wealth and population, which, 
previous to its late misfortunes, might vie with any other 
country on the face of the earth, in proportion to its size — 
not even excepting China. If we turn to their settlements 
in South America and India, we shall discover other great 
proofs of their industry and perseverance, in embanking the 
rich swamp lands upon the borders of the Surinam and Ju- 
carra rivers, fyc. 

Wherever this extraordinary people have formed a colo- 
ny, they seemed to delight in encountering bogs and marsh- 
es ; and in doing this they certainly displayed some wisdom ; 
since the fertility of the soil so reclaimed, was more than an 
ample recompense for their labor and patient perseverance. 



;3i 



09 



The river lands in India, like those ©f our low cduntry, 
are subject to inundations. 

By the latter end of July, all the lower parts of Bengal, 
contiguous to the Ganges and Barampooler, are overflowed, 
and present a surface of water more than 100 miles wide. 

As some of those lands would receive damage from such 
a copious inundation, they are guarded by strong dykes, 
to resist the waters, and adaiit only a certain quantity ; 
these banks, collectively taken, are said to be more than 
1000 miles in length ; some of them are of the thickness 
of an ordinary rampart at the base. One particular branch 
of the Ganges, (navigable only in the rainy season, and 
then equal in size to the Congaree at Columbia) is conduct- 
ed for 70 miles between dykes, and when full, passengers 
look down upon the adjacent country, as from an eminence. 

I might mention other parts of Europe, particularly Ger- 
many and Italy, where extensive works of this nature have 
been effected. 1 may refer to China, where two of the 
finest provinces in tliat empire have been banked in from 
the sea by the industry of its inhabitants, the soil of which 
is fertile to an extraordinary degree. But I will not tire 
out the patience of my readers. 

The instances I have mentioned, will suffice to remove 
every objection that may be advanced against the under- 
taking, on the ground of its impracticability, whether from 
a consideration of its character, or its magnitude. But it 
is not necessary for us to resort to foreign countries to be 
convinced of this ; our own furnishes many examples of suc- 
cess in reclaiming swamp lands. The work of the greatest 

The spectator beholds, on every side, flocks and herds, dispersed over 
all the plains, with infinite numbers of husbandmen and gardeners. 
The air is then perfumed by the great quantity of blossoms on the 
orange, lemon, and other trees ; and is so pure, that a wholesomer or 
more agreeable is not found in the world ; so that nature, being then 
dead as it were, in all other climates, seems to be alive only for s® 
delisfhtful an abode." 



310 

magnitude in this vvay, is to be found on the Mississippi, 
from New Orleans, as high upas Turkey Point, a distance, 
I think, of 70 miles. This State also presents many sec- 
tions of embai'king ou its rivers, some of an extensive char- 
acter ; and we fi d similar works executed upor: the Savan- 
nah and Delaware rivers. The system therefore of em- 
banking, draining, and reclaiming swamp lands, we are fa- 
miliar with, and our exp;;rie'>ce has taught, us both the value 
of such works, and their incalculable advantages to the 
country. 

I now propose to enter upon the most important part of 
our subject — namely, to demonstrate the capacity of the 
State, to undertake, carry on, and complete this great 
work, without laying any additional taxes on its citizens. 

I trust that particular attention will be paid to this part 
of the subject — for upon a due consideration of it, may hang 
the destinies of the whole work. It behoves us, therefore, 
if we love our country, to weigh seriously what may be 
advanced, and to examine with care, the principles of a 
plan, which promises to effect, with certainty, a great be 
nefit to the State. 

We must assume it as a fundamental axiom in political 
economy, that all works, which involve the interests of a 
State, or of the community at large, should be executed 
under legislative provision. It is impossible but that in- 
dividual inttrest will clash in attempting to carry into exe- 
cution, under private regulations or enterprise, works of 
the nature in question. The experience of every day fully 
testifies, that public works, done under private regulations, 
are seldom of a permanent character, or capable ol effect- 
ing the obj'jct intended thereby. When private property 
is in question, and individual interests are associated with 
the disposal of it, it is impossible to remove from the mind 
of the one most materially concerned, suspicions of parti- 
ality. True, we sometimes meet with great liberality, 
eandor, and intelligence, which lead to a cheerful acquies- 



311 

cence, (even at the sacrifice of private interest) to any 'plam 
which will advance the general good ; but we as often wit- 
ness a conduct the reverse of this ; and sometimes a dis- 
position even to thwart the good proposed to be done by 
others. Independent, however, of these circumstancesj 
the work in question is not of a nature to be carried on 
successfully by individuals; its magnitude would forbid 
the hope of ever seeing it accomplished through such 
means ; and even were these effectual, the consequences 
resulting from a failure in the permanency of the workj 
are of too important a character to the public interests, to 
justify any such risk to be run. Without dwelling there- 
fore further on this point, I will presume the correctness 
of the position laid down, to be admitted : namely, that 
the State only, should have the control and management of 
every thing relating to this work. The first thing for our 
consideration then will be, to make arrangements with the 
proprietors of the swamp lands to be reclaimed, for their 
purchase. We will presume that such an arrangement is 
made, because it is manifestly to the interest of such pro- 
prietors, to bring this worse than useless capital, into ac- 
tive operation. The question that next presents itself, is, 
what is the actual vakie of these swamp lands, in their na- 
tural state ? Some difficulty might arise to determine this, 
if these lands could be cultivated ; but we know fr;>m sad 
experience, that an attempt to do this in (heir present un- 
protected state, produces a greater evil than leaving them 
as they are. Whatever price therefore we afiix to them, 
must be considered nominal. Let us say they are worth, 
on an average, $5 per acre. 

We will Jiow endeavour to ascertain the value of these 
lands reclaimed, not subject to be injured by freshets, and 
placed in the best state for cultivation. Before attempt- 
ing this, however, let us estimate the expenses of putting 
these lands into this state of improvement. We will take 
aM^efinite quantity to be embanked in, &c.™say 25 miles. 



312 

»n one side of any of our great rivers, either the Congaree, 
Wateree, or Pee Dee, averaging four miles wide ; enclos- 
ingan area equal to 100 square miles, or 64,000 acres. 

B}^ pursuing a general system of operations, it would 
nbt probably occur, that we should have to return both ends 
of the embankment to the main land ; but supposing that 
this is the only work to be done now, we shall then have 
an embankment equal to 33 miles. As we would calcu- 
late upon our work being permanent, we shall average the 
thickness of our banks, at the base 50 feet, IS feet average 
height, and 10 feet width on the top. These dimensions 
will give 3,484,800 cubic yards of work, which at 12i 
cents per yard, amounts to ^435,600, or at the rate of 
^13,200 per mile. One hundred square miles are equal 
to 64,000 acres, the cost of embanking which, being 
^435,600, makes each acre come to a little under 7 dollars. 
The cost of ditching, clearing, making flood-gates, bridges, 
&c. will amount to about 9 dolls, p^r acre. Thus we have 
the total cost of each acre of this land, fitted for cultivation, 
equal to 16 dollars.* 

We will now endeavour to ascertain the value of these 
swamplands, reclaimed and placed in a state for cultivation. 

When we reflect upon the inexhaustible fertility of the 
soil of the swamp lands, and facilities of navigation, inde- 
pendent of their capacity to produce two crops in the year, 

* These estimates must be considered very high, when we take 
into view the fact, that the common daily task of the slave, in exca- 
vating earth or ditching, is equal to 500 cubic feet — nearly equivalent 
fo 19 cubic yards, (which he performs with much ease to himself,) 
the cost of which would be, at the utmost, only four or five cents per 
yard. And add to this the great advantages we would derive from 
the use of proper machinery, and a judicious organization of the force 
attached to it. Taking, I say, all these circumstances into consi- 
deration, we could with great propriety reduce the above estimate 
almost one half. But that we may err on the right side of the sub- 
ject, we will assume the highest estimates of cost, naaiply, $16 per 
acre. 



315 

we are disposed to affix the highest price. They have a 
decided preference over the best uplands in the state ; nay, 
viewing the subject in a proper light, the latter would sink 
in the comparison. Upwards of ^300 have been given for 
some of onr choicr' low lantis.* 

We are not disposed, however, to affix to ours a price 
any thing like this. Though after the representations 
made, and what will follow, we should be justified in put- 
ting a high price upon them — -we will estimate them at 
5^50 per acre. 

* We have known ^500 per acre offered in Pennsylvania, sixty 
miles from Philadelphia, for good limestone land, when flour was 
selling for glO per barrel — Yet this land bears no comparison with 
ours in the value of its products, or facilities for getting these to mar- 
ket ; for let us bear in mind this important fact, that it costs less to trans- 
port cotton, or any other article, 600 miles by water than 60 by land, 
though the latter has the advantage of the best constructed turnpike 
road. The proof of this is fully exemplified in the case of Baltimore 
and New-Orleans. The trade of the Ohio, from Wheeling upwards, 
which before the establishment of steam-boats went to Baltimore, is 
now diverted to New-Orleans, though the difference in distance is as 
200 miles to 2000; and although the former short distance is over 
one of the best turnpike roads in the Union. But our surprise at 
this fact ceases, when we reflect, that under the most favorable 
circumstances of road and river, and particularly canal conveyance, 
the difference of effective force requisite to remove a weight on land 
and water, is as thirty (at least,) to one, in favour of the latter: that 
is, one horse on a canal will draw as much as thirty horses on the 
best turnpike road. Further to illustrate this important truth, (which 
the statesman and legislator should never forget, and which affords a. 
convincing proof of the immense disparity between land and water 
transportation,) one man will convey as many goods on a canal as 
three men and eighteen horses usually do on common roads ! This 
extraordinary fact affords us the best criterion by which to judge of 
the relative value of lands located near to navigable waters, compared 
with such as are distant from them. If this be true, what should be 
the value of our swamp lands reclaimed, the soil of which is inex- 
haustible, and lying under a temperature of air favorable to the cul- 
tivation of the most valuable productions ? 



314 

The value of land, under similar circumstances, in refe- 
rence to a market, may always be determined by the value 
of its products ; let us test ours by this rule : River swamp 
lands, brought into a safe state for cultivation, will produce, 
upon the smallest calculation, either 250 wt. of cotton, or 
30 bushels of corn per acre; 50 bushels of corn per acre, at 
25 cents, gives ^12 50 per acre ; 250 wt. of cotton per 
acre, at 12 1-2 cents, gives j^Sl 25, per acre. Now, al- 
lowing one half of this product, to pay expenses, &c, and 
we have the following result : Planted in corn, this land 
will yield a clear interest of 12 1-2 per cent, upon ^'50, or 
of 6 per cent, upon 100 dolls, (which properly is the worth 
of the land); and planted in cotton, will yield a clear reve- 
nue of 30 per cent, upon 50 dolls or 6 per cent, upon 250 
dollars. This shows the moderaiion of our estimate, as 
these lands would be actually worth at least 100 dolls, per 
acre. Besides, we have allowed the smallest product to 
them ; every planter knows that double the quantity stat- 
ed would be much nearer the fact 

I come now to exhibit what would be the probable pe- 
cuniary gain to the State, arising out of the execution of 
this great work. We will first consider the profits result- 
ing from reclaiming, &c. only 100 square miles, and after- 
wards sum up the clear gain which would be realized from 
recovering all our swamp lands. 

Dr. 

&4,000 acres unreclaimed swamp land, at ^5, - ^320,000 

Two years' interest on the purchase, supposing it took 

that time to perform the work, at 6 per cent. - - 38,400 
Expenses of improving 64,000 acres, at ^16 - „ 1,024,000 

Total expense of reclaiming 1 00 square miles, - ^1,382,400 

Cr. 

64,000 acres reclaimed swamp land, cleared, and fit- 
ted for cultivation, at ^50 .... ^3 ,200,000 

Profit $2,817,600 



315 

According to an estimate which has been made of the 
quantity of swamp land in the lower part of this state, 
there are, it is presumed, about 2000 square miles, or 
1,280,000 acres, unreclaimed. The profit being as above 
stated, 3,817,600 dolls, upon 100 square miles, will make 
the total profit upon 2000 square miles, fifty-six million 
three hundred and fifty tvvo thousand dollars ! a prodigiou^ 
sum, which may vvell stagger belief ; but which is really 
still below the amount of profit which the state would re- 
alize from this undertaking. 

Among the numerous benefits which this work would 
produce to the state, we must not forget to mention one of 
much importance ; namely, keeping open the navigation of 
Our rivers. These never can be permanently kept open 
by any other means. Experience has long proved it phy- 
sically impossible that the channel of a river which is al- 
lowed to inundate its banks, can be free fram change. 
We may labor to improve its navigation, by removing the 
obstructions, and succeed ; but the next rise of the waters 
is almost sure to create the same ciifficulties, either there or 
in some other part of the river. The labor, therefore, ne- 
cessary to keep our rivers navigable above tide-water is 
perpetual ; but, in the event of a general system of embank- 
ment, the waters would be confined to one channel, and 
thus deepen their bed, until the stream shall attain the 
maximum point of velocity, equally conservative of both 
banks and bed. Such a state of things would add greatly 
to the facilities of navigating them, and save immense sums 
of money and labor, which will be required to effect this 
object. 

We proceed now to examine the benefits which would 
result to the proprietors of these unreclaimed swamp landsj 
from the execution of this work ; and, also, the advantages 
which the poorer class of our citizens would deri ve from it. 

An owner of 1000 acres of this land would get from the 
Q Q - 



316 

state, at the end of two years, including interest, 5600 dol- 
lars, either in money or land. Let us suppose he receives 
the amount in land, at its lowest value, 50 dolls, per acre ; 
then he has 112 acres, which, under the cultivation of his 
«wn hands, will yield him a clear profit of 1500 dolls, per 
annum. But should he desire not to cultivate it himself, 
then he may rent it out in lots of 10, 20, or 50 acres, to in- 
dustrious white laborers or farmers, at 5 dolls, per acre ; 
which will produce him a clear income of 560 dolls, per 
annum, or 10 percent, upon his capital. That §5 per acre 
might readily be calculated upon as the rent of this land, 
the following estimate will prove : 

The benefit to the laborer who rents 10 acres of this land, 
at § dolls, which amounts to 50 dolls, is as follows : He 
makes from it SO bushels of corn per acre, which, at 25 
cents per bushel, is 200 dollars ; 150 dolls, of which is 
his. NoWj how much land must this man cultivate, which 
will produce him 15 bushels of corn per acre, and for 
which he pays nothing ? Say he cultivates 40 acres, which 
at 15 bushels per acre, is 600 bushels, at 25 cents, is 150 
dollars ; requiring four times the labor. He then can af- 
ford to pay annually 5 dolls, per acre for land which will give 
him the same product, with less than one fourth of the la- 
bor. 

Thus, an owner of uncleared swamp, which is now an ex- 
pense to him on account of the taxes, to say nothing on the 
score of health, would, without any labor or cost to him, 
have his land increased in value so as to produce him ten per 
eent per annum. 

After what has been advanced, we can no longer doubt 
the practicability of efiecting this important work. The 
expediency of undertaking it, and the best mode of carry- 
ing it iato execution, remains only for consideration. The 
former, whether on political or domestic ground, no one 
will deny. If health, individual and public prosperity, po- 
litical aggrandizement, nay,, evefy blessing, moral and phy- 



^17 

sical, which belongs to humanity, be wortliy of pursuit, 
then is the expediency of the measure proposed evident. 
Who can sum up the invaluable benefits to ourselves, and 
to our children, from the execution of this work ! — -Who 
can even in imagination conceive the blessings in reserve 
for our beloved country, under such a state of improve- 
ment! 

With respect to the modus operandi best calculated to 
effect the great object under consideration, and secure the 
permanent interests of the State, %ve have already remarked: 

First, That the State only should have the control and 
execution of the work, with all its appendages- 

Second, That in order to'carry it on in the most economi- 
cal and effective manner, the state should purchase a num- 
ber of able bodied negroes, say 1500, who would be able t© 
reclaim, at least, 64,000 acres of swamp land in two years. 
At the end of which period, it would realize, from the sale 
of this landj near three millions of dollars, clear of all ex- 
penses ; thus enabling it, not only to reimburse itself, for 
all monies laid out in the purchase of 1500 laborers, &c. 
but leave on hand a permanent capital, equal to 2,217,600 
dolls., with which it might augment its working force, or 
if more expedient, hire from the different planters in the 
vicinity of the works, the number of hands requisite to com- 
plete the reclamation of all the swamps of this country, in 
ten or fifteen years. 

Operations should commence at the very head of the ri- 
ver swamps, to which point these strea:ms are naturally na- 
vigable. The work should be finished as it proceeds 
downwards, and the land brought into a proper state for 
cultivation. The present period is certainly propitious for 
effecting this undertaking ; labor is low, and our planters 
finding it their interest, in a double point of view, to en- 
courage its accomplishment, the hire of their slaves would 
be/iipon moderate terms. 

After this expose shall I be taxed with holding extrava- 
gant views on this interesting subject ? Have I 



318 



monstrated to every one capable of making calculations, the 
correctness of the positions assumed ? Those who have 
executed works, of the nature here projected, can easily 
test the truth of what has been advanced. I will venture 
to predict, that the experience of such will rather reduce 
my estimates of cost than increase them. I hope to elicit 
informatioTi from our low land planters on this h' ad, and 
also trust, that what I have here advanced, will tend to ex- 
cite their zeal in the g;lorious work of giving health and 
prosperity to the land of our birth. Here opens a field for 
the exercise of the best talents of my countrymen. Fellow 
citizens, let us entt r upi n its labors : as a pioneer I have 
cleared away the rubbisli in advance, and (rust to find many 
to follow my footsteps, and convert the wilderness into a 
fruitful plain. With the mind's eye fixed upon the goal 
which displays the meliorated happiness of our country, let 
us press forward to obtain it. Let us convince our country- 
men how closely their best interests are interwoven with 
this work ; when we have effected this, we ahall soon 
realize all our best wishes for the prosperity of the state.* 

Let us now for a few minutes pause, and take a retros- 
pective view of all that has engaged our attention in the 
examination of this momentous subject. Is there any 
scheme, fellow citizens, to beiieiit our country, that can 
be presented to our minds, of more importance than the 
one in question ? Is there one that can be prosecuted with 
greater prospects of pecuniary advantage to the State, (see- 
ing that we must always pay regard to interest, in affairs 
even of patriotism ?) Have we reflected upon the benefits, 
political, physical and moral, which would hence arise ? 

* I am gratified to find, since this was written, that this subject has 
feeen taken up by two respectable writers, under the signatures of 
" Rusticus" and " Philo-Rusticus," in the Southern Patriot. I hope 
they will continue its investigation, for it merits the closest research. 
If public attention can be elicited to consider its importance, our 
lateurs will be well repaid. 



319 

Did I attempt to enumerate them, I should occupy more 
time than can be devoted here to this subject ; and after 
having finished, I should not have told the half of the 
blessings which would result from this great work. The 
mind, under an imperfect view of them is lost in visions 
of delight — anticipating that the present lurking places of 
disease and death, would be changed into the residence of 
smiling health and vigor — the country now solitary as the 
grave — 

" Where all one desert is — desolate and gray, 

Graz'd by the sullen BufFaloe alone, 

And where the rank uncultivated growth 

Of rotting ages taints the passing gale" — 

made to resound with the cheerful song of the laborer, en^ 
livened by groups of cottages, and the grazing of countless 
herds of cattle. 

Does it not lie within our power to realize these inestima- 
ble benefits ? most certainly. Let us not be tardy then in 
achieving them ; let us make every practicable exertion to 
secure so rich a boon. We have only to resolve to make 
the efiort, persevere in it, and every obstacle to our progress 
vanishes ; the difficulties in the way are not of a nature in- 
surmountable ; on the contrary, they are easy, compara- 
tively, to be overcome. Do we require more urgent rea- 
sons than what have been advanced, to induce us to under- 
take this great work? then let the evils we are daily sufier- 
inginperson, from the natural state of our lowland swamps, 
act as this powerful incentive. How many valuable lives 
are now sacrificed to the contaminating influence of these 
sinks of corruption ! How many loved relations and 
friends yearly fall victims to the pestilential vapors which 
rise out of these swamps ! how many now miserable and 
poor, from debility and disease, would, by the execution of 
this work, be made prosperous and happy ! what value will 
be given to landed property thereby ! how populous, rich 
and powerful would this, now almost deserted section of 
our state, become! 



320 



The natural scenery of our low country, particularly in 
situations bordering on the water courses, is peculiarly 
beautiful. The intrinsic value of this country is but little 
known or appreciated, because in its present unimproved 
state, it offers no temptation to the visit of the traveller. 
As we approach the sea coasi, the scenery becomes more 
interesting, and when we reach that point which opens to 
the view the magnificent prospects of ocean, nothing can 
exceed it for grandeur. All the splendor of the mountain 
country, cannot compare with the scene presented by this 
world of waters. There is a sublimity in the prospect of 
ocean, that cannot be equalled, but by gazing on its coun- 
terpart, the firmament of heaven ; ail other terrestrial ob- 
jects sink in comparison with it. As we descend th« riv- 
ers, the mind contemplates with surprise and delight, the 
majestic cotton trees which line the banks, and form spa- 
cious avenues for the passage of the waters. In these pla- 
ces these trees spread their lofty branches so as to inter- 
lock over them, thus C(mstituting a complete canopy. Here 
long vistas open to the view, displaying interminable 
woods, and as the voyager glides down the stream, he is 
often enveloped in a verdant labyrinth, and scarce knows 
what course to steer his bark. Now he sweeps a circle of 
many miles in length, and finds himself within a stone's 
throw of the place whence he departed. On each side, al- 
most the whole way, lay deep and impenetrable swamps, 
crowded with lofty woods, composed of the cotton and cy- 
press — exuberant in foliage, and bearing ample testimony 
of the inexhaustible fertility of the soil below. Nothing 
can interest the mind of the traveller more than the pros- 
pect of these verdant scenes, if he can abstract his mind 
from the association of local circumstances, connected with 
the physical situation of the inhabitants of the country. 
The moment his mind is drawn into reflections, connected 
with this subject, this pleasure is marred, and the most me- 
lancholy thoughts pervade his bosom. These luxuriant 



321 

groves are not the abode of man— the cheering voice ol 
humanity is scarcely ever heard here — all is desolation, 
despair, and death ; man periodically flies from these fatal 
scenes with the same dread that seizes the terrified mariner 
as he steers his trembling bark between the waves of Scyl- 
la and Charybdis. 

During: the most enchanting season of the year, how 
des!)la!e appears our low country ! The rich glow of co- 
lors from a thousand flowers, bloom in vain to catch the ad- 
miring eye of intelligent man. The fragrance of the gar- 
den and the grove spreads abroad its sweets, untasted by 
the sense that is capable of appreciating them! Shall we 
continue this state of things ? witness our citizens gradu- 
ally deserting us for more salubrious climates, and not at- 
tempt to remedy the evil ? Shall we willingly consent to 
yield this fine portion of our state to be inhabited only by 
our slaves? I trust not. And yet will not this be virtually 
the case if we take no measures to put it in a condition 
suitable to our own residence ? Few of our planters noWy 
comparatively, remain on their plai tations longer than 
half the year ; and how many are absent almost the whole 
year (for during the short period they remain there, they 
feel not at home.) Will not this habit, the result of neces- 
sity and education, increase upon them every year? Is not 
this compulsory personal inattention to our prosperity, des- 
tructive to our interests ? What is the result ? Having to 
trust the management of our plantations to hirelings, or to 
slaves, we necessarily lose considerably from the want ol 
our own personal attention. How many of our planters 
whose means are fully adequate, [properly managed,] to 
realize a yearly increase of capital, find, by pursuing the 
present system of leaving their interests to be managed by 
hirelings, or ignorant patroons of their own, that at the end 
of the year their expenses are equal to, if not exceeding, 
their/ income ? What are the prospects presented under these 
circumstances but ruin ? In the present condition of this coun- 



322 

try, even should the planter change his system of manage- 
ment, by attending to his interests personally, ruin must still 
stare him in the face ; for his health, if not his life, would be 
the sacrifice. Generally speaking, for this portion of the 
state, whilst things continue thus, we cannot anticipate an 
increase of its prosperity ; but must unwillingly see it retro- 
grade in population and political importance, until it shall 
lose its interest entirely in the councils of the nation. If it 
is now losing in this particular, what will be its condition 
when the prices of its principal staple commodities, rice 
and cotton, shall be reduced to half what they are at present : 
and even then to be obliged to consume the most of these 
articles among ourselves. 

But if this country is made healthy by the reclamation 
of its swamps, we might truly defy any act of policy, do- 
mestic or foreign, to affect our prosperity, for reasons which 
must appear evident to all, since in this improved state of 
the country, there is nothing to prevent our raising any ar- 
ticles which our sister states can raise, either for comfort or 
interest j and there are many others of a more valuable de- 
scription, which some of them cannot raise from the differ- 
ence of climate. In the upper part of our state, there are 
no obstacles to a rapid increase in population, agriculture, 
%vealth, and political importance ; it possesses salubrity, a 
delightful climate, a favorable soil, and an industrious popu- 
lation : but for our low country, we cannot look forward 
to its keeping pace with it. Nay, if cotton and rice fall in 
price lower than they are now, (which the new tariff will 
certainly occasion,) it must retrograde, and that rapidly too. 

Can we sit down, fellow-citizens, and submit to this state 
of degradation without an effort to avoid it, and witness our 
beloved country sinking in political importance and domestic 
comfort ? — a country too, from its natural capabilities, des- 
tined to attain the very pinnacle of prosperity, if we only 
do our duty ; capable of being made salubrious, rich in pop- 
ulation and agricultural wealth? 



323 



The very source from which emanate all the fevils we 
now experience in this country, constitutes the fountain 
whence we are to draw all the hlessings enumerated. Our 
swamps are the gold mines of our state, far superior to those 
of Ophir or Peru. They are more valuable to us than the 
gems of Golcond;i, provided we improve their natural ad- 
vantages. But let us not wait to be drawn to the work by 
dire necessity— it may then be too late. Let us, whilst the 
wealth and force of the country remain undiminished, enter 
upon it with zeal. Every year's neglect of it will increase 
the evil. The loss we have and will sustain from this 
cause, in comfort, property, and precious lives, is of more 
value to us, than all the labor that would be required to re- 
move the evil. Every dictate of prudence, propriety and 
policy, whether associated with our individual happiness 
or interests, or with those of the public, demand of us the 
improvement of a country which a kind Providence has for 
this purpose placed in our hands : so shall we render our- 
selves worthy of enjoying the blessings which will result 
therefrom. 

What now, fellow-citizens, are j^our convictions ? Are 
there any who doubt the practicability of effecting this 
great work.'* It cannot be upon the ground of our incapa- 
city to do it, for we have proved that the value of the 
work, when done, will far more than balance all the costs 
of doing it, Do any hesitate whether the swamps can be. 
drained ? I have proved from facts, that according to the na- 
tural order of things, in the original formation of this coun- 
try, all the swamps must necessarily be more elevated than 
the great natural drains into which they discharge. But 
the truth can be soon verified by the instrument, and such 
as doubt, should wait the issue of this before they condemn. 
Are there any that imagine the work will not accomplish 
the important object of giving health to this country? It 
has been proved, and our experience confirms the fact, that 



324. 

Our swamps originate disease ; as they are the only physi- 
cal cause of the insalubrity of this country, it follows, that 
being reclaimed, (that is, drained and thrown into dry cul- 
tivation,) the sources of contagion will be dried up also. 
Some may conceive, from reviewing the magnitude of the 
work, that it never could be finished. But I am not doing 
justice to the good sense of my countrymen, in bringing 
forward such futile surmises or objections against the un- 
dertaking. I say to such as make them, no work can be 
finished unless it be begun. Therefore, if persevered in, 
there is no question but that it will be finished, let its mag- 
nitude be what it may ; perseverance will overcome every 
difBculty. If we but possess this virtue, we may witness 
the accomplishment of this work in a comparatively short 
time ; not to exceed ten or fifteen years; for it has been 
shown, that 1500 men are able, in two years, to reclaim 
64,060 acres, or 100 square miles of swamp land ; there- 
fore, by the simple rule of *' proportion,'* 2000 square 
miles (the estimated quantity of this kind of land in this 
State) can be cleared, &c. in 15 years, by the labor of 4000 
men, or in ten years, by 6000 men. 

But I may have said enough on this subject. If I have 
trespassed on the patience of my readers, I must, for my 
excuse, appeal to the prompting causej, amor patriXf in 
my justification. If what is advanced shall excite in my 
fellow-citizens a spirit of inquiry into this momentous bu- 
siness, and induce a corresponding spirit of activity, to 
realize the promised blessings, I shall be fully repaid for 
the time and trouble devoted to the developement of the 
subject I shall now sum up my observations with this 
simple position, (and which our previous data will warrant 
assuming,) namely: that, by the appropriation of only one 
million of dollars as a loan, the great work in question, 
which will give health and prosperity to this country, vast 
political power and wealth to the State, and happiness io 
millions yet unborn, may be begun, carried on, and fully 



325 

completed, and the capital returned into the treasury, with 
many millions added to it. Who that loves his countryp 
or wishes well to the welfare of the State, but will exclaim, 
** Let us proceed, without delay, to put our hands to this 
glorious work, and realize, for ourselves and children, 
the rich blessings offered at so small a cost.'' 



THE POOR. 

The state of moral improvement which the civilized 
world has experienced, within the last century, has been 
of a character the most favourable in exciting, and keeping 
alive the benevolent feelings. Christianity, in its purity, 
expands the bosom, exalts human nature, and stimulates 
the mind in the pursuit of every measure, which promises 
to advance the happiness of mankind. Among all the 
Christian virtues, Charity stands pre-eminent The sub- 
lime precept of the divine author of our religion, *' It is 
more blessed to give than to receive," is now felt in all its 
spirit, as every benevolent heart can testify. But whilst 
we feel the force of this divine principle, and act up to 
its precepts, it is incumbent on us to exercise both wisdom 
and prudence, in order that the good we dispense be not 
converted into an evil. The object of all in bestowing of 
alms, is to afford relief to the unfortunate. This ought to be 
effectual. Temporary relief can be productive of very little 
good, if it does not produce an evil. 

It may be laid down as a fundamental principle, "That 
all sums of money, or other assistance given to the poor 
in alms, which do not tend to make them industrious, 
never can fail to have a contrary tendency, and to operate 
as an encouragement to idleness and immorality. 

This is a maxim so plain to the understanding, that no 
arguments are necessary to prove its correctness. 

As the merit of an action is to be determined by the 



■ 326 

good it produces, the charity of a nation ought not to be 
estimated by the millions which are paid in poor taxes, 
but by the pains which are taken to see that the sums rais- 
ed are properly applied. 

The proper application of the means destined for the 
support of the poor, is, most certainly, that which fur- 
nishes them with useful employment ; which renders them 
industrious, and contributes to improve their moral ha- 
bits. If this be true, the cause of the failure of most of 
those charitable institutions, having for their object the 
relief of the poor, is manifest. How few (except of late 
years) are founded upon the plan of encouraging habits of 
industry among their dependents. The imprudent dis- 
pensation of alms, there is reason to fear, has tended to pro- 
duce, instead of the benefit intended, an increase of the 
evil. 

As nothing tends more powerfully to encourage idleness 
and immorality, and consequently to perpetuate all those 
evils to society arising from the prevalence of indigence 
and mendicity, than an injudicious distribution of alms, 
we ought to be very cautious in what manner we bestow 
them, or what scheme for the relief of the poor we sanc- 
tion, as peradventure we may incautiously lend our aid 
to do an injury rather than a good. 

The evil tendency of giving alms indiscriminately to 
beggars, is universally acknowledged ; but "it is not, I 
believe," says an interesting and practical writer on this sub- 
ject, "so generally known, how much harm is done by 
what are called the private charities of individuals Far 
be it from me to wish to discourage private charities : I 
am only anxious that they should be better applied." 

We may assume this position as true, in general, that 
in nine cases out of ten, those who solicit alms are in a 
capacity to perform some labor, which, if properly applied, 
would be fully equal to their support. There are few of 
these unfortunate persons, indeed, but are capable of earn. 



327 

ing twelve and a half cents a day each, by their labor, aak 
this we know is more than equivalent for their support. 

If it is a disideratum in political economy^ that industry^ 
temperance, and frugality, should be encouraged among 
the citizens of the state, it is peculiarly applicable to its 
poor, who cannot afford to be idle or intemperate. All 
alms, therefore, which the Legislature, or individuals, 
direct to be dispensed among the poor, should be bottomed 
upon the broad basis of encouraging habits of industry and 
economy among them. 

When we examine into the causes of mendicity, we 
shall be convinced of the necessity of adopting some plan 
which shall have a tendency to root out idle habits among 
the poor. Indolence is the ostensible cause of pauperism, 
because it generally is the precursor of intemperance and 
venality. In this country, where labor is so liberally re- 
warded, and the means of living so easily attained, it is a 
disgrace to see a system of practical mendicity prevailing- 
true, we are all liable to misfortune, and bodily afflictions 
may put it out of our power to provide the means of sup- 
port for ourselves and families ; but these are not common 
occurrences, and cannot come under the censure of thesfe 
remarks. When such cases occur, it would be the de- 
light of the heart and hand of Charity to administer rer 
lief and comfort ; but to those who are able to work, and 
will not labor for their bread, but prefer rather to beg, we 
would say: Means are provided whereby you may support 
yourselves by labor — work whilst you are able— be sober, 
be industrious— should sickness or accident disable you, 
you will be taken care of. Should you, however, perse,-^ 
vere in indolence, you justly subject yourselves to the ana- 
thema of the Apostle, "That if any would not work, nei- 
ther should he eat." If we are careful to supply the poor 
with the means of employment, and they will not avail 
themselves of them, they must suffer the consequences of 
idleness ; we shall have performed our duty, and are free 
from reproach. 



328 

We cannot offend the poor by adopting measures of this 
nature, because all of us have to resort more or less to labor 
for support : those indigent persons who have any sense of 
propriety remaining, will rejoice when an opportunity is 
offered them to preserve, in some degree, their indepen- 
dence, by giving their labor in return for the necessaries of 
life. The love of inilependence ought to be cherished by 
all; for in proportion as we feel dependent on others, in the 
^ame ratio do we become degraded in our own eyes. In a 
free government like ours, where so much depends upon 
the virtue of the people, it is of the utmost consequence to 
the welfare of the state, that this spirit be kept up among 
its citizens ; and nothing tends more effectually to do this 
than encouraging in them habits of industry. How par- 
ticularly does this principle apply to the pauper, who needs 
the assistance of the state to furnish him employment. 

Every system of laws for the good government or sup- 
port of the poor, which has not for its basis the encourage- 
ment of industry, by finding the poor employment, must 
fall short of its object, and prove oppressive to the commu- 
pity, because it actually holds out inducements to idleness, 
and opens a door to imposition. Hence we are not to be 
surprised at the general dissatisfaction expressed every 
where, by the thinking part of the community, against our 
present poor laws, they being regarded properly as oppress- 
ive, and evil in their tendency. 

It has engaged the attention of the benevolent and wise 
in all ages to devise some effectual relief for the poor, which 
should result in not only benefitting them physically and 
morally, but give an assurance to the benevolent public that 
the alms they bestow for the relief of the unfortunate real- 
ly effect this important end. Our forefathers, in dispensing 
their charities, appeared simply to have attended to the let- 
ter of the divine law on this subject. They relieved dis- 
tress, without inquiring further how they should prevent a 
Tjecurrence of this evil. It never entered into their thoughts, 
«^r at least it formed no part of their system of relief, to find 



328 

the pauper employment. It was reserved tor this age ©1* 
moral and physical improvement, to develope the admira* 
ble secret of benefitting the poor without degrading them, 
and thus realize benefits of incalculable advantage to the 
community at large. Count Rumford, as well known iri 
the benevolent, as in the scientific world, for his philan- 
thropy and zeal, has labored in this important work with 
great success. In Germany the good eflfects of his exertion:s 
were strikingly manifested. * 

* The following picture of the state of mendicity in that country* 
previous to his undertaking to abolish it^^ and reclaim the poor, will 
give an idea of the benefits arising from the adoption of the system 
of employing them in labor. 

" The number of itinerant beggars of both sexes, and all ages, als 
well foreigners as natives," says Count Rumford, " who strolled 
about the country in all directions, levying contributions from the in= 
dustrious inhabitants, stealing and robbing, and leading a life of 
indolence, and the most shameful debauchery, was quite iucredi- 
ble. 

" These beggars not only infested all the streets, public walks^ 
and public places, but they even made a practice of going into pri- 
vate houses, where they never failed to steal whatever fell in their 
way, if they found the doors open and nobody at home ; and the 
churches were so full of them, that it was quite a nuisance, and b 
public scandal, during the performance of divine service. People at 
their devotions, were continually interrupted by them, and were fre=> 
quently obliged to satisfy their demands in order to be permitted tp 
finish their prayers in peace and quiet. 

" In short, these detestable vermin swarmed every where, and aot 
only their impudence and clamorous importunity were without any 
bounds, but they had recourse to the most diabolical arts, and mos.t 
horrid crimes, in the prosecution of their infamous trade. YouDg 
children were stolen from their parents, by these wretches, their 
eyes put out, and their tender limbs broken or distorted, in order, by 
exposing them, thus maimed, to excite the pity, and commiseration 
of the public ; and every species of artifice \Vas made use of, to agi- 
tate the^ sensibility, and to extort the contributions, of the humane 
and charitable. 

Some of these monsters were so void of all feeling as to expose 



330 

Such was the state of Bavaria, previous to the introduc- 
tion of the new establishment for the poor in that country, 
that four years immediately succeeding the carrying into 
execution the measures adopted for putting an end to 
mendicity, and clearing the country of beggars, thieves, 
robbers, &c. above 10,000 of these vagabonds of foreign- 
ers and natives were actually arrested, and delivered over 
to the civil magistrates. In taking up the beggars in Mu- 
nich, and providing for those who stand in need of public 
assistance, no less than 2600 of one description or the 

even their own children, naked, and almost starved, in the streets, in 
order that by their cries and unaffected expressions of distress they 
might move those who passed by to have pity and relieve them ; and, 
'in order to make them act their part more naturally, they were un- 
mercifully beaten when they came home, by their inhuman parents, 
if they did not bring with them a certain sum, which they were or- 
dered to collect. 

" I have frequently seen a poor child of five or six years of age, 
tate at night, in the most inclement season, sitting down almost 
naked at the corner of a street, and crying most bitterly. If he were 
asked what was the matter with him, he would answer, " I am cold 
and hungry, and afraid to go home ; my mother told me to bring 
home twelve creutzers, and I have only been able to beg five ; my 
mother will certainly beat me if I don't carry home twelve creutzers." 
Who could refuse so small a sum to relieve so much unaffected dis- 
tress? But what horrid arts are these to work upon the feelings of 
the public, and lay involuntary contributions for the support of idle- 
ness and debauchery ! 

That total insensibility to shame, and all those other qualifications 
which are necessary in the profession of a beggar, are likewise es- 
sential to form an accomplished thief; and both these professions de- 
rive very considerable advantages from their union. A beggar who 
goes about from house to house to ask for alms, has many opportuni- 
ties to steal which another would not so easily find : and his profes- 
gioB as a beggar gives him a great facility in disposing of what he 
steals, for he can always say it was given him in charity. No won- 
4fer thieving and robbing should be prevalent where beggars are 
rtiimcroiis." 



331 

other were entered upon the lists in one week ; though the 
city contained only 60,000 inhabitants.* 



* " These facts are so extraordinary, that were they not notori- 
ous," says Count R , "I should hardly have ventured to name 

them, for fear of being suspected of exaggeration. But though so ex- 
traordinary, they are perfectly well known in the country by every 
body; having been published by authority in the news papers at the 
time, with all their various details and specifications, for the informa- 
tion of the public. 

The contrast of this afterwards was very striking. Not a beggar 
was to be seen in the streets of Munich, which formerly were infest- 
ed with them. These wretched beings, formerly the most miserable 
objects of disgust, whom I had seen for years as beggars in the streets; 
jroung women, perhaps the unhappy victims of seduction, who, having 
Jost their reputation, and being turned adrift in the world without a 
friend, and without a home, were reduced to the necessity of begging 
to sustain a miserable existence, now recognized me as their benefac- 
tor; and, with tears dropping fasten their cheeks, continued their 
'.vork in the most expressive silence. 

"If they were asked what the matter was with them, their answer 
was "Nicht," " Nothing," accompanied by a look of affectionate regard 
and gratitude, so exquisitely touching as frequently to draw tears 
from the most insensible by-standers. 

It was not possible to be mistaken with respect to the real state of 
the minds of these poor people; every thing about them showed that 
they were deeply affected with the kindness shown them, and that 
their hearts were really softened appeared not only from their unaf- 
fected expressions of gratitude, but also from the effusions of their 
affectionate regard for those who were dear to them. In short, never 
did 1 witness such affecting scenes as passed between some of these 
poor people and their children." 

In the original state of the establishment for employing these poor, 
children were separated from the grown persons ; but as soon as 
order was thoroughly established in every part of the house, and the 
poor people had acquired a certain degree of address in their work, 
and evidently took pleasure in it, as many of those as had childi-en 
expressed an earnest desire to have them near them. Permission 
was granted for that purpose, and the spinning halls by degrees were 
filled with the most interesting little groups of industrious families, 
who vied with each other in diligence and address, and who displayed 



352 



Nor was the cl^ange less beneficial to the public ; for they 
not only got relieved from the imposition practised upon 
them by this description of persons, but the expenses they 
were formerly subjected to were reduced at least one half. 
All these, and numberless other benefits, resulted from the 
encouragement of Industry among the poor by employing 
them. 

In various parts of the United States our citizens have 
been long sensible of the importance and necessity of pro- 
viding more effectual means of relief to the poor, and greater 
security to the public from imposition by the unworthy and 
dissipated vagabond mendicant. To this end houses of in- 
dustry have been established, farms for the employment of 
paupers have been put in operation, and private societies 
formed for encouraging in such, habits of industry. 

During the author's residence in Baltimore he had the 
honor of drawing up a plan of a public institution of this na- 
ture. A society of gentlemen of the first respectability and 
standing in that city was soon after formed to carry a simi- 
lar system into effect on a private scale ; so satisfied were 
they of its necessity and efficacy. These few facts are here 
mentioned to bring to the view of the Legislature the 

a scene at once the most busy and the most cheerful that can be im- 
agined. 

"An industrious family is ever a pleasing object; but there was 
something peculiarly interesting and affecting in the groups of these 
poor people. Whether it was that those who saw them compared 
their present situation with the state of misery and wretchedness, 
from which they had been taken ; or whether it was the joy and exul- 
tation which were expressed in the countenances of the poor parents 
in contemplating their children, all busily employed about them ; or 
the air of self-satisfaction which these little urchins put on, at the 
consciousness of their own dexterity, while they pursued their work 
with redoubled diligence, upon being observed, that rendered the 
scene so singularly interesting,—! know not; but certain it is, that 
few strangers who visited the establishment came into the hall with- 
out being much atfe&ted. 



333 

great importance und advantage of regulating our poor laws 
in such a way that our paupers should be furnished with em- 
ployment, and be required to labour for their own support. 
We will now proceed briefly to consider the best plan 
suited to the circ-'imstances of our state to effect this import- 
ant object. 

It may be laid down as fundamentally correct in practice, 
that no body of laws, however wisely framed, can in any 
country effectually provide for the relief of the poor with- 
out the voluntary assistance of individuals ; for though tax- 
es may be levied by authority of the laws for the support of 
the poor, yet those kind attentions which are so necessary 
in the management, as well to reclaim the vicious as to 
comfort and encourage the despondent; those demonstrations 
of concern which are always so great a consolation to per- 
sons in distress, cannot be commanded by force. On the con- 
trary, every attempt to use force in such cases seldom fails 
to produce consequences directly contrary to those intended. 

If the dispensation of alms is a religious duty (which no 
one doubts) then is it proper that it should be the voluntary 
act of the individual. All that appears requisite for the legis- 
lature to do in the infancy of an institution of the nature 
proposed, is, to provide each district with a good plan for 
such an establishment, and appropriate a small capital ta car- 
ry it into effect. The poor laws should be altered so that the 
contributions of individuals for the support of the poor, even- 
tually should be voluntary, not forced, as by tax.* 

* Those having the conduct of these Institutions, should be persons 
cf the first respectabihty and character. To create pubhc confidence' 
it is necessary that those appointed to carry this object into execu- 
tion, should be upright, zealous, humane, and perfectly disinterested 
persons; the administrators of the affairs {)f the poor, should serve 
without fee or reward ; they should publish, at stated periods, parti- 
cular and authentic accounts of all receipts and expenditures, that 
no doubt can possibly be entertained by the public, respecting the 
proper application of the monies destined for the relief of the poor ; 
they should have an alphabetical list of all who receive alms, in 
which hst should be inserted not only the name of the person, his and 



334 

The inconvenience to individuals and to society which 
arises from the constant application of beggars is so general- 
ly felt by the public, that when they are relieved from so 
great an evil which the plan proposed wnll accomplish, 
it cannot fail to produce a powerful and lasting effect upon 
them, and conduce to unite all ranks in the support of mea- 
sures which will insure the comfurt of individuals, and pre- 
serve the national h 'nor and reputation. Even in coun- 
tries where the poor do not make a practice of begging, the 
knowledge of their sufferings must be painful to every be- 
nevolent mind; and there is no person so callous to the feel- 
ings of humanity as not to rejoice most sincerely when ef- 
fectuJ relief is afforded. 

The greatest difficulty, observes Count R , attending 

the introduction of any measure founded upon voluntary 
support of the public, for maintaining the poor, and put- 
ting an end to mendicity, is an opinion generally entertain- 
ed, that a very heavy expense would be indispensably ne- 
cessary to carry into execution such an undertaking. But 
this difficulty may be speedily removed, by showing (which 
may easily be done) that the execution of a well-arranged 
plan, for providing for the poor, and giving useful employ- 
ment to the idle and indolent, so far from being expensive, 
must, in the end, be attended wath a very considerable sa- 
ving, not only to the public collectively, but also to indi- 
viduals. 

Those who now extort their subsistence by begging 
and stealing, are, in fact, already maintained by the public. 
But this is not all ; they are maintained in a manner the 

her age, condition, and place of abode, but also the amount of the 
weekly or "monthly assistance granted him or her, in order that those 
who entertain any doubts respecting the manner in which the poor 
are provided for, may have an opportunity of visiting them at their 
habitations, and making inquiry into their real situation. The con- 
fidence of the public, and the continuance of their support, will be 
most effectually secured by a prompt and successful execution of this 
plan. 



335 

most expensive and troublesome, to themselves and the 
public, that can be conceived : and this may be said of all 
the poor in general. 

A poor person who lives in poverty and misery, and 
merely from hand to mouth, has not the power of availin"- 
himself of any of those economical arrangements in procu- 
ring the necessaries of life, which others in more affluent 
circumstances may employ, and which may be employed 
with peculiar advantage, in a public establishment. Add- 
ed to this, the greater part of the poor, as well those who 
make a profession of begging, as others who do not, might 
be usefully employed in various kinds of labour; and sup- 
posing them, one with another, to be capable of earning 
only half as much as is necessary to their subsistence, this 
would reduce the present expense to the public, for their 
maintenance, at least one half; and this half might be re- 
duced still much lower, by a proper attention to order and 
economy in providmg for their subsistence. 

Were the inhabitants of a large town, where mendicity 
is prevalent, to subscribe only half the sums annually, 
which are extorted from them by beggars, I am confi- 
dent it would be quite sufficient, with a proper arrange- 
ment, for the comfortable support of the poor of all denom- 
inations. 

Not only those who were formerly street-beggars, but 
all others without exception, who received alms in the city 
of Munich and its suburbs, amounting to more than ISOO 
persons, were formerly supported almost entirely by vo- 
luntary subscriptions from the inhabitants ; and I have 
been assured, says Count R., by numbers of the most opu- 
lent and respectable citizens, that the sums annually extort- 
ed from them by beggars alone, exclusive of private cha- 
rities, amounted to more than three times the sums after- 
wards given by them to the support of the new institu* 
tion. , 

Upon the principles here laid down, the following plan 
of an establishment, for the better regulation and support 



336 

of our poor, is respectfully recommended to the consider- 
ation of the honorable the Legislature. 

ist. That in every district where the number of poor 
exceeds 20, there be purchased a small farm near the court 
house, or the most considerable town or village in the dis- 
trict, on which should be erected the necessary and suita- 
ble buildings for the accommodation of the poor. 

2d. When this is done, let the establishment be provi- 
ded with the requisite means to employ these persons ac- 
cording to their capacities or habits, whether in carding, 
spinning, weaving, sewing, &c. in the house, or in culti- 
vating the grounds. 

3d. Let a person of known integrity, humanity, and zeal, 
in the cause of the poor, be appointed to superintend the in- 
stitution, with such assistance as the case may require, who 
shall be appointed by, and be under the direction of, a board 
of trustees. 

4th. Let there be a board of trustees or managers cho- 
sen by the Legislature, whose duty it shall be, to visit the 
institutions once a month ; regulate its general concerns • 
give orders, and make contracts for the purchase of raw 
materials, and for the disposal of the articles manufactured 
by the poor ; also determine upon the fitness of the appli- 
cant for the public bounty ; in short, have the regulation 
of every thing connected with the concerns of the estab- 
lishment under their jurisdiction. 

This board to be chosen out of the most respectable men 
in the district, of known humanity and kindness, and who 
from principles of benevolence would serve the institution 
without pecuniary reward. 

5. Let there be printed papers provided, which shall 
contain an address to the public, of the nature, extent, and 
tendency of the measures adopted for the relief of the 
poor, and the suppre-^sion of mendicity, which shall contain 
the assurance of ridding it of the impositions practised up- 
on them by the vkgrant paupers, and which shall have a 
tendency to induce our citizens generally to enter warmly 



O t? r^ 

OOi 

into the scheme, and assist witli alacrity to cany it into 
execution. Let all persons of every denomination, young 
and old of both sexes, (paupers only excepted,) be invited 
to put down their names in the subscription list, for even 
the smallest sums which they may be able to contribute ; 
although these which day laborers and others in indi- 
gent circumstances may be able to give may be very tri„ 
fling, yet jhere is one important reason why they ought al- 
ways to be encouraged to put down their names upon the 
lists as subscribers, namely, the good eflfects which their 
taking an aclive part in the undertaking will probably pro. 
duce on themselves. Nc-thing tends more to mend the heart 
and awaken in the mind a regard for character, than acts of 
charity and benevolence ; and every person who has once 
felt that honest pride and satisfaction which result from a 
consciousness of having been instrumental in doing good b}^ 
relieving the wants of the poor, will be rendered doubly 
careful to avoid the humiliation of becoming himself an 
object of public charity.* 

The principle upon which this practice is grounded is a 
correct one, inasmuch as charity is a religious duty. This 
being admitted, we ought not only to give an opportunity 
to all, even to the widow with her single mite, to assist in 



* it was a consideration of these salutary effects upon the minds of 
those who took an active and voluntary part in the measures adopt- 
ed for the relief of the poor, that induced a preference to be given by 

Count R to voluntary subscriptions, to taxes, in raising the sums 

necessary for the support of the poor, and " all the experience I have 
had (says he) in these matters has tended to confirm me in the opi- 
nion I have always had of their superior utihty. Not only day labor- 
ers and domestic servants, but their young children, and all the chil- 
dren of the nobility, and other inhabitants of Munich, and even the 
noncommissioned officers and private soldiers of the regiments in 
garrison in that city, were invited to contribute to the support ot 
the institution for the poor ; and there are very few indeed of any 
age or condition (paupers only excepted,) whose names are not to be 
found on the list of subscribers." 



338 



this pious object ; but inculcate it as a religious duty upon 
every one who has but a mite to give. 

Where subscriptions in money cannot be made, articles of 
cotton, corn, or any other thing useful to the institution, may 
be received in place of it. 

In the first instance, in order that the advantages of such 
an establishment should be seen, and fully understood, her 
fore it is permanently fixed by law, let it be put in opera- 
tion upon a small scale. For this purpose a house might be 
fitted up for the reception of the poor, (and particularly for 
their children,) where they would be taught habits of in- 
dustry ; raw materials be furnished to those who labor at 
home, and liberal prices given for such articles as may be 
manufactured by them. 

If a laborer is worthy of his hire, he is peculiarly so 
when he is poor ; when with all his exertions, he can barely 
procure the first necessaries of life. The hard lot of such 
a one renders him an object of pity and compassion.* 

In forming establishments, public or private, for employ- 
ing the poor, it will always be indispensably necessary to 
make such arrangements as will secure to them a fair price 
for all the labor they perform. They should not be over- 
paid, for that would be opening a door for abuse; but they 
ought to be generously paid for their work, and above all, 
they ought never to be allowed to be idle, for the want of 
work. The kind of employment proper for them will de- 
pend much on local circumstances, on the habits of the poor* 
the kinds of work they are acquainted with, and the facility 

* The deplorable situation of a poor family struggling with pover- 
ty and want, deprived of all the comforts and conveniencies of life, 
deprived even of hope, and suffering at the same time from hunger, 
disease,and mortifying and cruel disappointment,is seldom considered 
with that attention which it deserves by those who have never feit 
these distresses, and who are not in danger of being exposed to them. 
We must be made acquainted with the real situation of the poor, with 
the extent and magnitude of their misfortunes and sufferings, before 
it can be expected that we should enter warmly into measures calcu- 
lirted for their relief. 



339 

with which the articles they can manufacture may be 

disposed of. 

The care of the poor is a matter of serious consideration; 
it is one of the most sacred duties imposed upon men in a 
state of civil society; one of those enjoined immediately by 
God himself, and the neglect of which never goes unpun- 
ished. If the care of the poor be an object of great na- 
tional importance; if it be inseparably connected with the 
peace and tranquillity of society, and with the glory and 
prosperity of the states; if the advantages which mdividuals 
share in the public welfare, are in proportion to the capital 
they have at stake in the great national fund; that is to say, 
in proportion to their general influence, property and con- 
nexions; and as it is just that every one should contribute 
in proportion to the benefits he receives, it is evident who 
ou<rht to be the first to come forward upon such an occa- 

sion . 

But it is not merely on account of the superior interest 
they have in the public welfare, that persons of high stand- 
ino- and great property, and such as occupy places of ira- 
po*i-tance in the government, are bound to support measures 
calculated to relieve the distresses of the poor ; there is 
still another circumstance which renders it indispensably 
necessary that they should take an active part in such mea- 
sures ; and that is, the influence which their example must 
have upon others. Little persuasion, I hope, would be ne- 
cessary to induce the clergy to give their cordial and ac- 
tive assistance in relieving the distresses of tiie poor, and 
providing for their comfort and happiness, by introducing 
©rder and useful industry among them. 

Whoever has taken the pains to investigate the nature of 
the human mind, and to examine attentively those circum- 
stances upon which happiness depends,must know how ne- 
cessary it is to our satisfaction that the mind should have 
some subject to engage its attention; something which it 



ean regard with interest as contributing to keep up hope^ 
and stimulate it to fresh exertion. 

The lot of the poor, particularly of those who from easy 
circumstances and a reputable station in society are redu- 
ced by misfortune, or by oppression, to become a burden 
on the public, is truly deplorable, after all that can be done 
for them : — and were we seriously to consider their situa- 
tion, I am sure we should think that we could never do too 
much to alleviate their sufferias^s, and soothe the anguish of 
wounds which can never be healed. 

How incalculably useful would institutions of the nature 
prop< sed be to the best interests of the state, and 1o every 
individual in it! They would open a door to the wretched 
outcast, who may there secure the necessaries of life in an 
honest way; present to the benevolently disposed the pro- 
per medium of dispensing their charity, with a certainty of 
its doing good, and effectually relieve the community at 
large of the impositions which are frequently practised up- 
on their benevolence by the unprincipled vagabond men- 
dicant. 

There is another class of persons to whom such institu- 
tions would prove peculiarly beneficial, and for whose re- 
lief we must all feel equal if not greaterinterest than for the 
common beggar. They are composed of those who have too 
much sensibility ever tosubmit to the disgrace of becoming 
a burden upon the public, although scarce able to find means 
to support life ; such unfortunate individuals must be very 
unhappy, and highly deserve the commiseration and friend- 
ly aid of the humane and generous. It is hardly possible 
to imagine a situation more truly deplorable than that of a 
person born to better prospects, reduced by unmerited mis- 
fortunes to poverty, and doomed to pass his or her whole 
life m one continued and hopeless struggle, with want, 
shame, and despair. Any relief under this respectable and 
most interesting form ought surely never to be withheld. 
But the greatest care and precaution are necessary in gi v 



341 

ing assistance to those who have been rendered irritable 
and suspicious by misfortune, and who have too much hon. 
est pride not to feel themselves degraded by accepting an 
obligation they never can hope to repay.* 

Indeed, connected with this view of the subject, we 
behold this valuable institution under circumstances of 
peculiar interest, sufficient to engage the feelings of eve- 
ry individual. We are all, under the providence of God,, 
liable to misfortune, and the loss of property, by which our- 
selves and families may be brought to the necessity of crav- 
ing the charities of the benevolent to support life. Under 
such deplorable circumstances, what would be the first 
wish of the high-minded and feeling heart ? Is it not this, 
that there should exist an institution, exactly such a one 
as is now proposed, where, without making known its un- 
fortunate situation to an unfeeling world, it could obtain, by 
the labor of its hands, the means necessary for its support ? 

Would not this knowledge of the utility of such an es- 
tablishment prompt all to contribute freely, and liberally, to 

* The establishment of the house of Industry at Munich (as we are 

informed by Count R ) has been the means of affording very 

essential relief to many distressed families, and single persons in in- 
digent circumstances, who otherwise most probably never would have 
received any assistance. — Many persons of distinguished birth, and 
particularly widows and unmarried ladies with very small fortunes, 
frequently send privately to this house for raw materials — flax or 
wool — which they spin and return in yarn, — hnen for soldiers' shirts 
which they make up, &c. and receive in money (commonly througli 
the hands of a maid servant, who is employed as a messenger upon 
these occasions,) the amount of the wages, at the ordinary price paid 
by the manufactory, for the labor performed. 

" Many a common soldier in the elector's service weais shirts made 
up privately by the delicate hands of persons, who were never seen 
publicly to be employed in such coarse work; — and many a comfort- 
able meal has been made in the town of Munich, in private, by per- 
sons accustomed to more sumptuous fare, upon the soup destined for 
the poor, furnished gratis from the public kitclien of the house of 
industry." 



342 

found it upon a permanent base ? the rich especially, who 
would thus exercise a prudent foresight, not knowing what 
might possibly happen to them, or to some near and dear 
to them. 

Those who may have contributed their benefactions for 
the support of such an institution in their days of 
prosperity, would have for themselves and children, a pe- 
culiar claim upon its benevolent privileges, in the day 
of distress and embarrassment, if ever it should be their 
unhappy lot to experience such a change ; and happy, com- 
paratively, would be the reflection, that their own hands 
helped to open a rich store-house to the unfortunate, a re* 
fuge from want and despair. 

From what has been written, we are now prepared to 
draw a correct conclusion of the superior advantages of the 
plan proposed for the better regulation and support of our 
poor. It *v'ill not now be necessary to occupy further time 
by entering into its details; these would fill a volume. The 
principle is all that is requisite to establish ; and may we 
not hope that this has been already sufficiently explained 
and proved ? 

The system here recommended is neither new nor un- 
tried ; on the contrary, it has been in operation for many 
years in Europe with great success, and is rapidly intro- 
ducing itself through the Union ; every institution, private 
or public, lately established in this countr}'^, founded upon 
the principles here laid down, has succeeded ; the nafure of 
the institution could produce no other results. 



V^ISIT OF GENERAL WASHINGTON TO CHARLESTON. 

On Monday, the £d of May, 1791, at two o'clock P. M. 
the beloved Father of his country, the excellent George Wash- 
ington, President of the United States of America, arrived iij, 



34S ' 

this city with his suite, to the inexpressible satisfaction as 
well of strangers as of the citizens. 

Never, it may truly be said, were joy, love, affection and es- 
teem more universal, and never did these amiable passions of 
the human heart emanate, or more brilliantly display them- 
selves than upon this occasion — an occasion so worthy of their 
indulgence. 

Between 12 and 1 o'clock the president embarked on board 
an elegant twelve-oared barge, prepared for the purpose, and 
which anxiously waited his arrival at Haddril's point,accompa- 
nied by Major Gen. Moultrie, B-igadier Gen. Pinckney, Ma- 
jor Edward Rutledge, Col. Washington, the city Recorder in 
his robes, Col. Dart, and Mr. John Rutledge, Jun. This rich- 
ly-freighted barge was rowed across Cooper river ,from the place 
of embarkation to Charleston, by thirteen masters of Ame- 
rican vessels, viz, Capt. Cochran [cockswain, as senior offi- 
cer,] Captains Cross, Moore, Milligan, Kean, Rea, Lau- 
rence, Dunker, Swain, Conyers, Dickenson, Crowly, and Co- 
nolly.* 

At Prioleau's wharf, steps were erected and covered with 
green cloth, where the president was received on his landing 
by the Intendant and Wardens of the city. Being arrived at 
the exchange, he was conducted to the platform within the 
grand ballustrade, fronting Broad-street, where he stood to 
await the salutes and discharges from the artillery, as well as 
to review the order of the procession, and return allthesalu- 

* During the passage on the water, the gentlemen of the Amateur 
Society, assisted by Mr. Palmer, Mr. James Badger, Mr. Jonathan 
Badger, and Mr. Harris, with the choir of St. Philip's Church, per- 
formed a concert, vocal and instrumental. Among other select pie- 
ces the following was sung: — 

He comes ! he comes ! the Hero comes I 
Sound, sound your trumpets, beat your drums ; 
From port to port let cannons roar — ■ 
He's v/elcometo our friendly shore. 
Prepare ! prepare ! your songs prepare, 
/ And loudly rend the echoing air, 
From pole to pole his praise resound. 
For tirtue's here with glory crownec?. 



.344 

tations of respect which were rendered to him as it passed 
along. 

Tuesday, May 3d. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon the In-- 
tendant and Wardens of this city, attended by their proper 
officers, waited upon the president at his house, and presented 
the following address : — 

To the President oj the United States : — ■ 

Sir, — The Intendant and Wardens, representatives of the 
citizens of Charleston, find themselves particularly gratified 
by your arrival in the metropolis of this state. It is an event, 
the expectation of which they have for some time with great 
pleasure indulged. When in the person of the supreme ma- 
gistrate of the United States they recognize the father of the 
people, and the defender of the liberties of America, they 
feel a peculiar satisfaction in declaring their firm persuasion, 
that they speak the language of their constituents, in assert- 
ing, that no body of men throughout this extensive continent 
can exceed them in attaclimentto his public character or in re- 
viewing his private virtues ; and they do not hesitate in an- 
ticipating those blessings which must ultimately be diffused 
amongst the inhabitants of these States, from his exertions for 
their general welfare, aided by those in whom they have also 
rested a share of tlieir confidence. 

Go on. Sir, as you have done; continue to possess, as well as 
to deserve, the love and esteem of all your fellow citizens : 
While millions in other parts of the globe, though strangers to 
your person, shall venerate your name j may you long be 
spared to receive those marks of respect which you so entirely 
merit from a grateful people ; and may all who live under your 
auspices, continue to experience that freedom and happiness, 
which is so universally acknowledged to have proceeded from 
your wise, judicious, and prudent administration. 

Arnoldus Vanderhorst, Intendant. 

THE PRESIDENT'S ANSWER. 

To the Intendant and Wardens, representatives of the citizens 

of Charleston. 

Gentlemen, — The gratification you are pleased to express 

at my arrival in your metropolis, is replied to with sincerity. 



31d 

in a grateful acknowledgment of the pleasing sensations 
which your affectionate urbanity has excited. Highly sensible 
of your attachment and favorable opinions, I entreat you to be 
persuaded of the lasting gratitude which they impress, and of 
the cordial regard with which they are returned. It is the pe- 
culiar boast of our country, that her happiness is alone depend- 
ent on the collective wisdom and virtue of her citizens, and 
rests not on the exertions of any individual. While a just 
sense is entertained of our natural and political advantages, 
we cannot fail to improve them, and with the progress of our 
national importance, to combine the freedom and felicity of in. 
dividuals. 1 shall be particularly gratified in observing the 
happy influence of public measures on the prosperity of your 
city, which is so much entitled to the regard and esteem of 
the American Union. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

At half past three o'clock, the merchants went in a body 
and delivered the following address : — ■ 

To the President of the United States : — 

Sir, — The merchants of Chai-leston, entertaining a just 
sense of the high honor conferred on this city by your pres- 
ence, take the earliest opportunity of congratulating you on 
your arrival. The obligations which are due to you from every 
member of the republic are acknowledged by all — to enter in- 
to a detail of them, would be to produce the history of your 
life, and to repeat what is re-echoed from one end of the conti- 
nent to the other. W^ere it possible, Sir, for your fellow citi- 
zens to omit doing justice to your merits, the testimony of oth- 
er nations would evince their neglect or ingratitude ; the whole 
world concurring in the same opinion of you. Convinced as 
we are of your constant solicitude for the general vvelfiiro, it 
must afford you particular satisfaction to find the progressive 
effects of the federal government in this state, and that the in- 
habitants are fast emerging from the heavy calainities to which 
they were subjected by the late war. Sensible of the numerous 
blessings our country has derived from your wise and judicious 
administration, we feel animated with the most livelv senti- 



346 

nients of gratitude towards you: suffer us then on the present 
occasion, to represent to you the affectionate sensibility with 
which we are impressed, by assuring you that we yield to 
none in sincere respect and attachment to your person ; and we 
earnestly implore the Almighty Father of the universe, long to 
preserve a life so valuable and dear to the people over whom 
you preside. 

E. DARRELL, Chairman, 
In behalf of the Merchants of Charleston' 

TO WHICH THE PRESIDENT RETURNED THE FOLLOWING ANSWER. 

To the Merchants of Charleston : — 

Gentlemen,— Your congratulations on my arrival in South 
Carolina, enhanced by the affectionate manner in which they 
are offered, are received with the most grateful sensibility. 
Flattered by the favorable sentiments you express of my en- 
deavors to be useful to our country, I desire to assure you of 
my constant solicitude for its welfare, and of my particular 
satisfaction in observing the advantages which accrue to the 
highly deserving citizens of this state, from the operations of 
the general government. I am not less indebted to your ex- 
pressions of personal attachment and respect ; they receive 
my best thanks, and induce my most sincere wishes for your 
professional prosperity, and your individual happiness. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

Monday. May 9. This morning at six, the president set 
out from this city for Savannah, in Georgia. He was escorted 
to Ashley ferry by his excellency the Governor, the Hon. M. 
Izard, Hon. Major Butler, members of the Cincinnati, and 
officers of the militia, all mounted on horseback. At Bounda. 
ry-street they were met by the Intendant and Wardens of the 
city, where the president was addressed by his honor the In- 
tendant, as follows: — 

Sir, — ^The Intendant and Wardens, in behalf of themselves 
and their constituents, beg leave to offer you their unfeigned 
thanks for the visit with which you have honored this city, and 
they are hopeful it will not be the last. They sincerely wish 



Ml 

you a pleasant tour, and happy return to your mansion, and 
may health, that greatest of all temporal blessings, attend you. 

T'o which the President was pleased to reply : — 

Sir,— -I beg you will accept and offer my best thanks to the 
corporation and the citizens of Charleston, for their very polite 
attention to me. Should it ever be in my power, be assured, it 
will give me pleasure to visit again this very respectable city. 

He then took hi«i leave of the corporation, and the whole 
cavalcade, joined by the Intendant, moved on, and were salu- 
ted with a federal discharge from the field-pieces of the 
Charleston battalion of artillery, and a volley of musketry by 
the Fusilier company, who were drawn up at some distance 
beyond the bounds of the city. 

On Ashley bridge, over which they passed, a triumphal arch 
was erected, adorned with flowers, laurel, &c.| and at Mr.Fra- 
zer's, on the south side of the bridge, they partook of a break- 
fast provided for them j after which the president pursued his 
journey, taking an affectionate farewell of his escort, all of 
whom returned except his excellency the Governor, Hon. Mr. 
Izard, Major Butler, and Generals Moultrie and Pinckney, 
who continued with the president some distance- 



T T 



BZSTRX0T BT^TlBTtOS. 



ABBEVILLE. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT—ORIGIN OF ITS NAiME. 

The first important settlement in this district occurred as 
early as the year 1756, when Patrick Calhoun, with four 
families of his friends, settled at Long-cane Creek. On his 
arrival, there were only two families of white settlers, one 
named Gowdy, the other Edwards, in that northwestern 
extremity of the province. In 1764, Abbeville received a 
considerable accession of settlers, by the arrival of two hun- 
dred and eleven emigrants from France, under the guidance 
of the Rev. Mr. Gibert, a very popular preacher. Soon 
after the peace of Paris he prevailed on a number of perse- 
cuted protestant families to seek an asylum in South Caro- 
lina ; they arrived in Charleston in April, and in the month 
of October left it for the lands laid out for them on both 
sides of Long-cane Creek, apart of which they named New- 
Bourdeaux,and part,New-Rochellc, after the capitals of the 
provinces from which most of them had emigrated. They 
were distinguished for their industry and good morals. 

The climate agreed so well with them, that they generally 
enjoyed good health, and several of them survived their 
eightieth year. The manufacture of silk was carried on 
by these settlers to some extent. In a domestic way it is still 
continued among their descendants. The nephew of the 
original projector of this settlement was a representative of 
Abbeville district in the State legislature, in the year 
180S. 

The name of this district is of French origin, derived 
from a town of the same name in France. 



349 

SITUATION— BOUNDARrES—SOILr—ADAPTATION TO PARTICU 
LAR PRODUCTS. 

Abbeville is situate vvithin the granits region, and is of 
primitive formation ; the nature of the soil is most gene- 
rally clay, covered with a rich mould, sometimes mixed 
with sand and gravel. It is well calculated for all the ve- 
getable productions of the state. Cotton is what is mostly 
raised for market ; corn, wheat, and other provisions^ are 
raised only for home consumption. 

This district is bounded on the S. W. by the Savannah 
river, which separates it from the state of Georgia ; on 
the N. E. by the Saluda river, which divides it from Lau- 
rens ; on the S. E. by nearly a straight line, drawn from 
the mouth of Little River, where it intersects the Savanah 
river, to the junction of Mason's Creek with the Saluda 
river, (near the Island ford,) which divides Edgefield j 
and on theN. W. by a straight line drawn from a marked 
Mack gum, on the E. bank of the Savannah river, at the 
foot of Grape's shoal, to a willow oak, marked A and P, 
on the S. side of Saluda river. It averages 32 miles one 
way, and 31 the other, and contains 6 34,880 square 
acres. 

DISTRICT TOWN— VILLAGES 

The seat of justice is named after the district, Abbe- 
ville, and is laid out in the centre of the same, in latitude 
34° 13' 8"; longitude W. from Columbia 1° 3' 15", 
amidst the head branches of Norris creek, a water of Long- 
cane. It is a pleasant village, laid out with some order ; 
containing, besides the court-house and jail, about forty 
houses, and a population of four hundred souls. 

An arsenal and magazine are located here ; the latter is 
some little distance from the village. 

Several other settlements have been made in this dis- 
trict. Vienna was laid out on the Savannah river, in ex- 
pectation of becoming a place of considerable commerce. 
There were four towns located about the same time, near 



350 

this spot, (where the Broad river of Georgia forms a junc- 
tion with the Savannah,) rivals for the trade of these twb 
rivers ; two on the Georgia side, Petersburg in the fork, 
and Lisbon on the south side of Broad river. 

Vienna lies opposite the mouth of Broad river, and South 
Hampton on the hill above Vienna : but these towns have 
all fallen through, and are now almost deserted. West 
from Vienna, about four miles, is Willington, noted for- 
merly as the seat of Dr Wad*iel's accademy, which pos- 
sessed a reputation equal to any institution of the kind in 
the United States. 

The most conspicuous of all our settlements is Cambridge, 
or as it was formerly called, Ninety-six, from its being 
ninety -six miles from Fort Prince George, the frontier fort. 

It was a place of considerable importance for business at 
one time, and was noted during the Revolution for being 
the seat of war for a length of time, and therefore suffered 
much injury. The Revolutionary Cambridge is located 
about half a mile from the site of the present lines: war, 
and time, have, however, devoured it. At this day several 
of the lines may be traced ; the British redoubt is entirCy 
as is the ground thrown up by them within it, when they 
learned that the Americans were mining.* 

* The shaft of the American mine (observes a gentleman who vi- 
sited the vi^orks some years ago) was choked up. I had the clay 
dug away, and went down with lighted torches and my compass to 
trace its course. First it ran S. 20, E. eight yards, then divided, the 
right S. 45 W. and S. 30 E. ; then S. 50 E. ; in all thirty-four yards. 
This branch I traced above ground, and found that it just reached 
the ditch of the redoubt The left hand branch ran S. 34, E. nine- 
teen yards, in all twenty-seven yanls. I think it evident that the 
Americans worked without a compass in their mine, and thereby lost 
much time ; both niinns were entire, retaining all the marks of the 
hoe ; but for some distance near the redoubt they were half leg deep 
in water. The Americans would have soon blown up the redoubt, 
had not the enemy been reinforced. When the English made their 
attack the miners were at work, and some were killed. They tell 
many anecdotes. The principal British spring was exposed, but the 



351 

The celebrated Kosciusko was the engineer of the Ame- 
rican works. Had he not been governed too much by the old 
slow European military tactics, in making his approaches, 
(beginning too far off) there is no doubt but the British 
works would have all been carried, some time before the 
necessity of the case compelled Gen. Green to raise the 
siege. 

Soon after the evacuation of Cambridge by the British, 
the place, and the country around, suffered considerably in 
consequence of the inroads of the Cherokee Indians, who 
broke through their engagements of neutrality. With a 
number of disguised white men, who called themselves the 
king's friends, they made an incursion into this district, 
massacred some families and burned several houses ; Gen- 
eral Pickens collected a party of the American militia, and 
penetrated into the settlements of the Cherokees. This he 
accomplished in fourteen days at thf head of 394 horsemen. 
In that short space he burned thirteen towns, and villages, 
killed upwards of forty Indians, and took a great num- 
ber of prisoners. Not one of his party being killed, and 
only two wounded. 

The exposed situation of this part of the country during 
the war subjected it to considerable loss: within the old 
boundaries of Ninety-six district,it has been computed, by 
well informed persons resident therein, that it contained 
within its limits 1400 widows and orphans, made so by the 
war. 

The village of Cambridge remains stationary, and con- 
tains a few houses, stores, and one or two taverns. It is 
situate near the line of Edgefield district, about six miles 
east of Saluda river, with a fertile country around it. A 
respectable academy is established there. 

Americans allowed women to come for water. It was found that the 
British soldiers availed themselves of this privilege ; after which the 
Americans found it necessary to fire at such as v/ore the female 

dress. 



352 

WATER COURSES, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

Abbeville district is finely watered, being bounded on 
t-wo sides by navigible rivers, and intersected by innume- 
rable streams ; their importance is in the following order : 
Little river and its branches, Long-cane, Calhoun, Parks, 
Shannkler, and McKe ily creeks, waters of Savannah; 
Rocky river and its branches, Hardlabour and CufFeetown 
creeks, also waters of Savannah rver ; Wilson's, Turkey, 
Broad-mouth, and Henley's creeks, and their branches, 
waters of Saluda. Boats carrying seventy bales of cotton, 
or ten tons, navigate the Savannah river the whole extent 
of the district ; and to nearly the same extent the Saluda is 
navigable, with the same sized boats. Abundance of fine 
mill-scats are furnished by the inferior water courses, and 
numbers are already occupied as such. 

VALUE OF LAND— PRICE OF GRAIN— OF LIVI.sG— OF LABOR 
—VALUE OF PRODUCTS. 

The best lands in the district are valued at twenty dol- 
lars per acre, the inferior from fire to ten : the first will 
yield two hundred and fifty pounds of clean cotton, or fifty 
bushels of corn to the acre. Very little more grain is 
raised than is required for home consumption. Its price is 
variable. Corn may be averaged at fifty cents, and wheat 
at seventy-five cents per bushel. The expenses of living 
here are moderate, scarcely ever exceeding eight dollars 
per month. Field laborers hire for from sixty to eighty 
dollars per annum and found. 

THE MARKET TO WHICH THE SURPLUS PRODUCTS ARE 
EXPORTED. 

Hamburg and Augusta are the chief markets ; Columbia 
is also resorted to, and will probably be more so in the 
course of a few years, when boats run more regularly on 
the Saluda river. Corn and wheat will then bear the ex- 
penses of transportation, and yield a profit to the planter. 
Cotton is the onlv article that is now sent to market 



S5S 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES. 

We have a fine growth of timber ; of oak, both the 
white, red, and Spanish; pine is scarce, and what we have 
is short-leaf pine ; chesnut and poplar are used as a substi- 
tute for it in building. There are also the black walnut, 
curled maple, wild cherry, hickory, dog-wood, and the 
other trees common to the state. Our fruit-trees are the 
peach, apple, quince, cherry, and plum; besides grapes, 
mulberries, chinguipins, chesnuts, and a variety of ber- 
ries. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY. 

Abbeville possesses a climate mild and agreeable the 
whole year round ; neiti.er the heat of summer nor cold 
of winter are on ^he extremes. It resembles the south of 
France in this respect. The silk-worm flourishes here, 
and much silk has been manufactured. The diseases are 
of a mild character, and of a nature incident to the new 
state of things in the country. The number of instances 
of longevity occurring here, is one evidence of the health 
of the district. The following are on record. Wm. At- 
wood, who was married for the first time at 65, had up- 
wards of nine children. He lived to exceed 100 years. 
Thos Lee, resident in Abbeville for 40 

years, died aged - - - - 104 
James Hemminger, born in Scotland, - 97 

Major John Bowie, now living, - - SS 
Major Alexander Hamilton, also living, 86 

There are many others whose ages exceed 80 years, and 
who are natives. 

^ MANUFACTURES— DOMESTIC, AND OTHERS. 

The culture of silk was carried on here to some extent 
formerly ; but what is now made is for domestic use. Mr. 
Gibert (the descendant of the Rev. Mr. Gibert, before 
mentioned,) established some years ago a cotton factory on 
Little riverj and had the whole work, castings, turnings, 



354 

&c. executed on the spot ; an instance of considerable 
ingenuity and enterprise. 

Domestic, (cotton and woollen,) are the only articles 
manufactured in the district. 

POPULATION. 

In ISOO, Abbeville district contained 13,500 inhabitants, 
of whom 2,964 were slaves. In 18^0, the population stood 
as follows : 13,488 whitts, 9,615 slaves, 2.52 free blacks, 
total 23,167, an increase of near 10,000 in 20 years. The 
agricultural advantages of this district invite a considerable 
emigration to it ; emigrations from it have in a great mea- 
sure ceased. 

AMOUNT OF TAXES. 

The last year the taxes paid by this district amounted 
to ^9,737 61. 

NUMBER OF POOR, DEAF AND DUMB, BUND, AND LUNATICS. 

The returns of the commissioners give about sixty pau- 
pers who are supported at the expense of the district; very 
few blind, deaf and dumb, and lunatic persons. 

EDUCATION. 

This important subject is much attended to in the dis- 
trict ; besides several respectable academies there are a 
number of free schools, supported by the liberality of the 
state, at an expense of ^1800 annually, where from 250 to 
430 poor children are educated. Of the academies, that 
at Willington formerly had the most celebrity ; the one 
established at the village has been also eminent. The for- 
mer was conducted some years ago by Dr. Waddel, (now 
president of Athens College, Georgia, ) and was an excel- 
lent preparatory school for college. Dr. Smith, (the late 
learned president of Princeton College, New Jersey,) 
repeatedly said, that he received no scholars from any sec- 



355 

tion of the United States who stood a better examination 
than the pupils of Dr. Waddel. 

This institution is at present conducted by a son of 
Dr. Waddel's. 

RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Presbyterians are the most numerous ; next the 
Methodists. There are few Baptists and Episcopalians. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Patrick Calhoun, (the father of the present Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States) may be considered the patri- 
arch of the upper country of South Carolinay and was 
highly distinguished in those critical and troublesome 
times, when the first settlements had to be made. He 
was the first representative from that section of the state^ 
and continued in this place for 30 years. He suffered se- 
vere losses in his family from the Indians, and was com- 
pelled, in 1759 to abandon his settlement on Long-cane 
creek, and remove with his family for a time into the Wax- 
haw settlements, Lancaster district, to avoid their total 
destruction. The Cherokee Indians, during that period, 
had commenced a dreadful war on the frontiers, which 
was not finally terminated until the treaty with France 
and Spain, in 1763. 

John Ewing Calhoun, (the nephew of Patrick Calhoun) 
was the first person educated in the native woods of Caro- 
lina — he afterwards graduated at Princeton College. He 
was an eminent lawyer, and died a senator in con- 
gress. 

Judge Ramsay was an able civilian, and an eminent manj 
his remains lie entombed in the village of Cambridge. 

General Andrew Pickens distinguished himself in the 
memorable wars of the revolution ; his name stands con- 
spicuous in the annals of that war. 

General Robert Anderson, equally the patriot and soldier 
u V 



356 

of the revolution, distinguished himself on several occa- 
sions, in the war of 1776, and died, lamented by all who 
knew his worth. 

General Williamson, who, early in the revolutionary 
war rendered such eminent service to his country, belong- 
ed to this district. Also that firm patriot, zealous and 
brave officer, Col. Williams, who fell at the noted battle of 
King's Mountain, lamented as an officer and man. 

A long list of revolutionary worthies might be here 
ad 'led, and whose venerable names, we trust, will be collect- 
ed and rec6rded. Among the number at present recollect- 
ed, are Major Bowie, who on many occasions distinguished 
himself; Col. George Reed, who, at the breaking out of 
the war, was the oldest captain in the service in this part 
of 'the country, and took an active part. Lieut. Col. 
Mayson, an excellent officer, fought bravely in the battle 
of Ninety-six under Williamson's command. 

John C. Calhoun (now Vice President of the United 
States,) is a native of this district : as a statesman and 
orator, Mr. Calhoun is well known ; his country has ap- 
preciated his high talents, in electing him to the office he 
now holds. 

Langdon Cheves is also a native of this district ; his 
public services will never be forgotten. 

George M'Duffie, the distinguished statesman and ora- 
tor, -was brought up in this district. 

NAMES OF PLACES, INDIAN OR OTHERWISE. 

We have unfortunately not retained a single Indian name 
in the district other than Salutah river. This country was 
originally inhabited by a considerable tribe of Indians, 
the Cherokees. The treaty in 1775 withdrew them further 
back. The continual hostilities of the Indians, and the 
partiality of the first settlers to every name belonging to 
their native country, with the difficulty of pronouncing the 
Indian names, were probably the causes for adopting Eng- 



367 

lish names. There did not exist much friendship between 
the first settlers and the aboriginals in this part of the 
country, as did in the low country, where we find a great 
number of Indian names retained. 

BOCKS, GRANITE, FREESTONE, SOAP STONE, LIMESTONE, &C. 

Of granite rock, there is an abundance in the district ; 
also a species of the free, called whinstone. The Turkey or 
oilstone, has been found in some places ; a quarry of it is 
now worked to advantage, and the stones taken to the 
north, and sold to considerable profit 

METALS — MINERALS. 

For particulars of these, see Natural History of the State 
Agricultural Societies. 

One has lately been established that promises great use- 
fulness. Abbeville district is admirably well calculated for 
farminj^. The lands are very undulating, broken, and in 
many places abrupt. The system of cultivation now pursu- 
ed, is destructive to such land, as no provision is made to 
prevent its washing. No means are taken to nourish 
the soil with manure, after it is worn out ; it is left in fal- 
low, and the natural sward being broken, it is washed 
into gullies and ruined, A very able address was delivered 
lately on this interesting subject, before the agricultural 
society, by Wyat Stock, Esq., and great hopes are enter- 
tained that attention will be paid to the principles therein 
recommended. 

LIBRARY SOCIETIES— STATE OF LEARNING AND THE ARTS. 

Abbeville may be regarded as the original seat of learn- 
ing in the upper country, and from it has emanated that 
light and intelligence which manifested themselves there 
previous to, and during the Revolutionary war. Atten- 
tion to education was coeval with the settlement j the 
presbyterian emigrants were remarkable for their care- 



358 

in this respect. Schools were instituted immediately on the 
location of families being made. John Ewing Calhoun re- 
ceived the rudiments of his education at one of these 
schools, and was the first person educated in the back woods 
of Carolina. 

GAME, FISH, BIRDS, &C. 

The rapid increase of population has driven out almost 
all the game ; very few deer are to be found, or wild tur- 
keys ; no bears, beavers, buffaloes, or panthers ; a fevv 
wolves are now and then discovered and killed ; there are 
however plenty of foxes, squirrels, raccoons, wild-cats, 
muskrats, and others ; also of birds, partridges, doves, 
wild pigeons, (in season,) crows, woodcocks, blackbirds, 
hawks, eagles, owls, &c. ; besides the mocking-bird, jay, 
redbird, thrush, &c. 



BARNWELL. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

In the first division of the state this district was embraced 
within the boundaries of Carteret and Granville counties. 
When the province was divided into seven precincts, Barn- 
well was included within those of Orangeburg. The settle- 
ment of this part of the state took place about the same time 
with Orangeburg district, namely, in 1704, In 1800 Barn- 
well was erected into an independent judicial district, un- 
der its present title, which was given in honour of the Barn- 
wells of Beaufort, who rendered such eminent services to 
the state. 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT POPULAR. 

TION TAXES. 

Barn>vell is one of the boundary districts of the state to the 
S. W. being divided in this direction from the state of G«or- 



359 

gia by the Savannah river. It is separated from Beaufort 
district and part of Colleton, by a straight line drawn from 
an elm tree, near Matthew's BluiTon Savannah river,N.53E. 
40 miles and 30 chains; or until it intersects Edisto river, 
at a pine tree,marked 3X, about 1 mile and 14 chains below 
Walter's bridge, thence up the main and south forkofEdis- 
to river to a point one mile above the forkjformed by Bridge 
and Rocky creeks, which divides Orangeburg district. 
Thence by a straight line drawn S, 17 W. 39 miles 44 chain\ 
or until it intersects the Savannah river,(at a point about 17 
chains below the mouth of Hollow creek, or in a straight 
line one mile above Silver Bluff, on the east of the river,) 
which divides Edgefield. Thence down the Savannah ri- 
ver to the place of beginning. Barnwell district averages 
48 miles long and 30 wide, and contains 921,600 acres. 

The population of this district has more than doubled in 
20 years. By the census of ISOO there were 6596 whites^ 
and 1,690 slaves, total 7286. In 1820, it made the popula- 
tion as follows,8162 whites,6336 slaves,252 free bIacks,to- 
tal 14,750. 

The taxes paid by this district into the state treasury 
amounted the last year to ^5,604 89. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL— PRODUCTS— AMOUiXT PER ACRE. 
The largest portion of this district is sand, bottomed on 
clay ; some clayey soils are to be found, but the rich lands 
border the rivers and creeks. The products cultivated, are 
cotton, corn, some wheat and rye, sweet potatoes, peas, &c. 
The proportion to the acre on an average, is, of cotton from 
6 to 800 cwt. in the seed, of corn from 8 to 15 bushels, po- 
tatoes 100 bushels to the acre, wheat and rye from 10 to 15 
bushels. 

VALUE OF LAND— PRICE OF PROVISIONS— DIVISION OF PRO- 
PERTY-VALUE OF LABOR, AND EXPENSES OF LIVING. 

/ 
The uplands are valued at from half a dollar to glO per 
acre, river swamps from i^5 to i^SO, per acre. Property is 



360 

aearly equally divided. Good field hands hire at the rate 
of ^100 for the year, and found. 

The expenses of living in the district generally, are from 
QO to ^100, per annum„ In the court-town |!l20 per an- 
Bum. 

The price of provisions is beyond their value, owing t© 
ihere being no corn raised for sale ; therefore the planters 
will not part with it, but at a high price. In plentiful years 
the pricp of corn is 50 cents a bushel, and it has sold at other 
times at $1 50. 

THE MARKET FOR THE STAPLE PRODUCTS. 

The most of the cotton is sent to Charleston ; some is ta- 
ken to Savannah, and sometimes to Augusta and Hamburg. 

DISTRICT TOWN— VILLAGES. 

The courts are held in the village named after the district. 
It c&ntains, besides the court-house and jail, (both of wood) 
a female academy, about 30 houses, and 120 inhabitants. 
It is situate near the centre of the district on the east side 
©f Turkey creek, a branch of the big Saltcatcher. It lies 
in latitude 33° 12', and only 23 miles west longitude from 
Columbia, from which it is distant SSi miles. 

There is another settlement formed in the district, at a 
place called the Boiling springs, where the planters spend 
their summers. It is the seat of an academy. 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHER- 
WISE. 

There are several small lakes of clear water in this dis- 
trict ; the most noted is near Springtown, and presents a 
beautiful sheet of water, fully two miles in circumference. 
It is surrounded on all sides by high pine land, and its 
shores present a beach-like appearance of white sand, on 
^yhich carriages may be driven round with convenience. 



361 

The low grounds of Savannah river furnish several lakeis;- 
wnich are, however, overflowed during the freshets. 

The chief navigable river of this district is the Savannahs 
which admits the passage of large steam-boats, carrying 1000 
bales of cotton, as high up as Augusta and Hamburg, 158 
miles above the ocean. 

The Edisto, which washes the N, E. side of this dis- 
trict, is also navigable for good sized boats its whole ex- 
tent; as also Shaw's creek, a branch of the same. When th^ 
contemplated canal is opened between the waters of Edis- 
to and Ashley rivers, the navigation of the Edisto will be 
very important to the district ; should a navigable inter- 
course be opened between the waters of Shaw's and Big 
Horse creek, the trade of the Savannah would take this 
route to Charleston. 

The big Saltcatcher may be made navigable to the coup4- 
house, at a comparatively small expense, the obstructions 
being confined to logs. 

The lower and upper Three Runs are capable of an ex- 
tended navigation, all which, no doubt, will be accomplish" 
ed in the progress of the internal improvement of the 
state. 

Besides these streams, there are a number of smallei* 
creeks, which water the district in every direction. The 
chief are, little Saltcatcher, Jackson's branch, the heaH 
branches of Coosawatchie ; Four mile branch. Pen branchj 
Steel, Briar's, and King's creeks, besides a number of other 
streams, (some of them considerable,) branches of the Salt- 
catcher ; and the Three Runs creeks, waters of Savannah. 

TIMBER TREES FRUIT TREESa 

Extensive forests of the finest pine timber cover thi^ 
whole country in the high lands. On the clay lands and 
bottoms, the oak, hickory, poplar,' gum, cypress, cedar? 
dogwood, sassafras, &c. abound : in the swamps the cy- 
press is very plenty. The fruit trees art, the apple, 



362 

peach, pear, pium, cherry, besides grapes, melons, straw- 
berries, and a variety of other berries. 

Large quantities of pine timber squared, are taken down 
the Edisto in rafts, to Charleston, every year. The Edisto 
timber brings a higher price than any other brought to mar- 
ket. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY. 

Barnwell may be considered as a healthy district. The 
situations immediately near the water courses being the 
only spots subjecting the inhabitants to bilious fevers. 
The climate is pleasant, the air and water pure. Several 
Instances of longevity are to be found. 

FISH— GAME— BIRDS. 

Shad, in their season, are very abundant in the Savannah 
river. The indigenous fish are, the catfish, brim, sucker, 
trout, rockfish, redhorse, jackfish, perch, &c. Deer are 
plenty, as also, foxes, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, &c. 
Birds are numerous ; such as the wild turkey, dove, part- 
ridge, robin, woodcock, duck, wild pigeon, and goose, at 
certain seasons, besides the buzzard, hawk, owl, eagle, 
swallow, red-bird, mocking-bird, blue-bird, wren, and 
others. 

NUMBER OF POOR— EXPENSES, 

The poor of this district are supported in houses, under 
an act of the Legislature of the last session. There were 
but four persons in the houses in November last. The 
present superintendant has a salary of 250 dollars per an- 
num, a house to live in, &c. ; the expenses of the establish- 
ment not yet known. 

EDUCATION — PUBLIC AND FREE SCHOOLS — ^LIBKABIES. 

One female and two male academies are established in 

the district, and a nura])er of private schools, which are as- 



363 

sisted out of the Free School Fund, provided by the state 
for the education of poor children, who are placed at these 
schools. 

The commissioners reported in one year, 430 poor chil- 
dren educated, and §1722,47 expended for this purpose. 
A library is established at the court-house, belonging to 
the Farmer's Society. 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Baptists are the most numerous religious sect in the 
district, the Methodists next, then the Presbyterians. 

ROCKS, GRANITE, FREESTONE, SHELL, LIMESTONE, &C. 

This district, lying below the granite region, presents no 
appearance of granite rock, except perhaps in the extreme 
northeast angle which dips a little into this region. Free- 
stone abounds up the Edisto. The shell limestone exhi- 
bits itself in several places. The upper region of it is a 
little above the junction of the upper Three Runs with the 
Savannah river. Below this it shows itself in various pla» 
ces on the banks of the Savannah, stretching across the dis- 
trict in about a northeast course. 

This stone when burnt makes very good lime, and at 
some future day will be valuable for agricultural purposes. 

MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

Besides the freestone, very good clay is found in the 
district for making brick. The pine timber is now most» 
ly used for building. The cypress to cover the roofs, &c. 
is abundant. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES— WHAT IMPROVEMENTS 
SEEM WANTING. 

The /agricultural system, unfortunately, prevails in no 
part of the district yet, and little disposition exists in form™ 

X X 



364 

insL societies to advance it. The time will rvo doubt soon 
arrive when necessity, if not a willingness to introduce it, will 
take place. The present system of cultivating the soil is 
destructive to it, and will eventually impoverish the coun- 
try. One of two things will have to be pursued, either to 
adopt the agricultural system of manuring the uplands, or 
to enter upon the plan of reclaiming all the swamp lands. 
The latter, under the species of culture now pursued, (cot- 
ton,) appears the most expedient, and offers greater advan- 
tages, inasmuch as an inexhaustible soil would thereby be 
obtained, and the country rendered more healthy. 

If this plan were adopted, the cultivation of the uplands 
would in a measure be unnecessary, until the population 
and improvement of the country otherwise would make 
the adoption of the agricultural system easy. Two de- 
scriptions of cultivators would then be formed ; the plant- 
er of cotton on the lowlands, and the planter of provisions 
on the uplands. Such a division would result favorably 
to both, as the former would raise stock, and be thereby 
enabled ta manure his lands, while the planter of cotton 
would devote the whole of his rich grounds to the raising 
of this valuable product. These lands would never wear 
out, as a semi-yearly tribute of manure would be paid by 
the river floods, which would be admitted to deposit their 
rich stores on the surface. 

The importance of this subject will develope itself as 
the country improves in wealth, population, and intelli- 
gence. The extensive introduction of education, and the 
increasing desire after knowledge, lead to the hope that 
this period is not very remote ; and happy will it be for 
the countrj' when it arrives. 

MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS. 

Silver Bluff is one of the most remarkable curiosities iu 
this district. It lies on the eastern side of the Savannah, 
and rises many feet above the river, which passes along its 



laase. This steep bank, rising perpendicular, discovers 
many strata of earth, together with different clays and 
shells, especially ostrea and blackish slate-colored earthy 
apparently of an aluminous or vitriolic nature. Bartram 
here discovered billemnites, pyrites, marcasites, and sul- 
phurous nodules, shining like brass, lying on this black 
slate like micaceous earth, as also sticks, limbs, and trunks 
of trees ; leaves, acorns, and their cups, all of which were 
as hard and as shining as charcoal. 

An association has been lately formed in this district for 
the encouragement of agriculture, denominated the ** Far- 
mers' Society," composed of planters from different parts 
of the district, who meet at the court-house three times a 
year. The Society has been incorporated, and promises to 
produce a good effect on the agricultural interests of the 
district. 



BEAUFORT. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT — ORICJIN OP ITS NAME. 

This district has the honor of being the landing place of 
the first settlers of the province, and their place of abode 
for a short time. Port Royal was the spot fixed on for this 
purpose, in 1670, by a few enterprising emigrants from 
England, headed by Col. Sayle, who was constituted the 
first governor of the province. The exposed situation of 
this place to an attack from the Spaniards, who had form- 
ed a settlement at St. Augustine, and who were very 
jealous of the English, induced Governor Sayle very soon 
to move more northwardly, to where Charleston is now 
located. The Spaniards considered the settlement of Caro- 
lina as an encroachment on Florida, and were not scru- 
pulous about the means of inducing its relinquishment. 
About three years after the first settlement of the province 



36G 

an armed party of Spaniards, from the garrison of St. Au- 
gustine, advanced as far as the island of St. Helena, to dis- 
lodge, or destroy, the settlement made there. Fifty 
volunteers, under the command of Colonel Godfrey, 
marched against the invaders, who, on his approach, eva- 
cuated the island and returned to Florida. 

About the year 1682 Lord Cardross led a small colony 
from Scotland here, which settled at Port Roj^al island. 
These claimed, by an agreement with the proprietors, a 
co-ordinate authority with the governor and council at 
Charleston ; but their claims were overruled. The Span- 
iards sent an armed forcein 1686 and dislodged these soli- 
tary Scotch settlers, most of whom returned to their native 
country. 

No permanent settlement took place, prior to 1700 : in 
that year is recorded the birth of the first child. 

It is difficult to say from what source the name of the 
district is derived, whether from Henry, duke of Beaufort, 
who was one of the lords proprietors of the province, or 
from a town of Anjou in France of that name. The lat- 
ter seems most probable, as it was appropriated by the 
English as a place of refuge, or asylum, for French pro- 
testants, as originally intended, but long defeated by the 
Spaniards. It afterwards gave name to one of the seven 
precincts into which the province was originally divided, 
and is now one of the 28 districts constituting the state. 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT, &C. 

Beaufort forms the S. W. corner of the state, and em- 
braces the following boundaries. Its southern side is 
washed by the Atlantic ocean ; its western by the waters 
of the* Savannah river, which divides it from Georgia. 
Its eastern is bounded by the Saltcatcher river, which 
separates it from Colleton district, and its northern boun- 
dary is a straight line, beginning at a point called Matthew's 
Blufif, on the east side of Savannah river, and exten<3ing 
N. 54j, E. until it intersects the great Saltcatcher river. 



367 

which line divides it from Barnwell. The length of the 
district from south to north is 58 miles ; breadth from 
east to west 33 miles, and contains 1,224,960 acres.* 
Beaufort is admirably situated for commerce, possessing 
one of the finest ports and spacious harbours in the world, 
Port Royal, intersected in all directions with navigable 
waters, bounded on one side by a river,the source of which 
is in the mountains, and which bears upon its bosum the 
products of a vast extent of rich territory, and on the 
other side by the Atlantic ocean. 

NATURE OS" THE SOIL, &C. 

There is no district in the state, either better watered, 
of more extended navigation, or possessing a larger portion 
of rich land, than Beaufort; more than one half of the terri- 
tory is rich swamp land, capable of being improved so as 
to yield abundantly. The swamp lands bordering the 
Savannah river, (in some places four miles wide,) are of 
inexhaustible fertility ; most of this land is yet however 
unimproved, therefore the sources of wealth of the dis- 
trict are yet undeveloped. The day will soon come when 
the value of these low lands will be properly appreciated, 
and measures be taken to reclaim them : some successful 
efforts have already been made to this end, especially on 
the Savannah river. 

The high lands lying between the swamps, are chiefly 
composed of sand, bottomed on clay, which lies about two 
feet deep. These are the only two descriptions of land in 
the district. 

ADAPTATION TO PARTICULAR PRODUCTS, he. 
f Some valuable products, more than are raised in the other 
districts, are, or may be successfully cultivated here, if ne- 
cessary ; for instance, sugar. During the last war some of 

* The district is, for political purposes, divided into four parishee: 
^St. Peter, St. Luke, St. Helena, and Prince Williams. 



368 

our planters turned their attention to this article, and suc- 
ceeded very well in raising the cane. Some cultivate small 
quantities of the sugar-cane now for family use. The 
principal attention of the planter is, however, devoted to the 
cultivation of cotton and rice, especially the lormer. The 
sea islands, or salt water lands, yield cotton of the finest 
staple, which commands the highest price in market; it has 
been no uncommon circumstance for such cotton to bring 
'^l a pound. In favorable seasons, or particular spots, 
near .300 weight have been raised from an acre, and an ac- 
tive field hand can cultivate upwards of four acres, exclu- 
sive of one acre and a half of corn and ground provi- 
sions. The cotton plant delights in a salt atmosphere, and 
as long as it is exposed to it retains its long staple quality; 
ivhen removed above the salts it changes to the short sta- 
ple quality. Indigo at one time was a considerable article 
of export here ; that raised in this district used always to 
command the highest price in market ; the cotton, however, 
has superseded the indigo plant. 

Some rice is yet raised on the Savannah to considerable 
profit. The agricultural system does not prevail here, 
therefore no attention is paid to the rotation of crops. 

DISTRICT TOWN— VILLAGES. 

Coosawatchie is the seat of justice of the district. It 
contains, besides a neat substantial brick court-house and 
jail, several dwelling houses and stores. Its location for- 
bids its becoming thickly settled, being on the edge of an ex- 
tensive svvamp,and which makes it in particular seasons very 
sickly. Coosawatchie lies at the head of sloop navigation 
on the river of the same name. In latitude 32° 34', long. 
E.of Columbia 0° 1' 0", from which it is distant in a straight 
line north and south, ninety-five miles. 

Beaufort for extent and situation is the principal town in 
the district. It lies at the head of Port Royal river, on 
Port Royal island, and is regularly laid out in squares, 
some of which are handsomely improved. Latitude 32° 



369 

23' long. 0'^ 16' 30" E. of Columbia, irom which it isdis- 
tant one hundred and eight miles and three tenths. 

The first lots in Beaufort were granted in 1717. The 
episcopal church was built about the year 1720. The 
town is distant from the sea about fourteen miles, and pos- 
sesses great natural advantages for commerce, vessels of the 
•largest burden having access to it. The general govern- 
ment have been examining it for a naval depot, and the on- 
ly objection to its adoption for this purpose is the great ex- 
pense of fortifying it so as to be secure from the approach 
of an enemy. 

Beaufort is distinguished for the hospitality of its inha- 
bitants. 

The Purysburg settlement is of very old standing. li 
was laid out as early as 1732. It is situate on the east 
bank of the Savannah river, on a high and pleasant bluff 
twenty miles north of the city of Savannah."^ Purysburg 
was the first head-quarters of the American army, under 
Lincoln, in the Revolution. It afterwards was in the pos- 
session of the British under Prevost. 

John Peter Pury,of Neufchatel in S w it zerland,having for- 
med a design of leaving his native country, paid a visit to Ca- 
rolina in order to inform himself of the circumstances and sit- 
uation of the province. After viewing the lands he return- 
ed to Britain. The government entered into a contract 
with him, and agreed to give him lands, and four hundred 
pounds sterling for every hundred effective men he could 
transport from Switzerland to . Carolina. Pury having 
drawu up a flattering account of the soil and climate, and of 
the excellence and freedom of the provincial government, 
returned to Switzerland and published it among the people, 
immediately one hundred and seventy Switzers agreed to 
follow him, and were transported to the fertile and delight- 
ful province, as he described it Not long afterwards two 

/' 

* There is here an Indian mound, part of which the river lias un- 
dermined and washed away. 



370 

hundred more came and joined him. The governor, 
agreeably to instructions, allowed forty thousand acres of 
land for the use of the Swiss settlement on the northeast side 
of the Savannah river, and a town was marked out for their 
accommodation, which was called Purysburg, from the name 
of the principal promoter of the settlement. Mr. Biguion, a 
Swiss minister whom they had engaged to go with lhem,hav» 
ing received episcopal ordination from the bishop of Lon» 
don, settled among them for their religious instruction. The 
governor and council, happy in the acquisition of such a 
force, allotted to each of ihem a separate tract of land, and 
gave every encouragement in their power to the people. 
The Swiss emigrants began their labors of raising the silk and 
vine with uncommon zeal and energy, highly elevated with 
the idea of possessing landed estates. But in a short time 
they felt the many inconveniences attending a change of 
climate. Several of them sickened and died, and others 
found the hardships of the first state of colonization much 
greater than they expected. They became discontentedo 
Smarting under the pressure of indigence and disappoint- 
ment, they not only blamed Pury for deceiving them, but 
repented leaving their native country. 

Robertsville is next in order as a permanent settlement ; 
this village is pleasantly situated on a rising ground east 
of the black swamp, and about 5 miles N. E. of the Savan- 
nah river. It contains several houses, a baptist church, 
and a post-office, besides an academy, and a public library 
of three hundred volumes. 

Pocotaligo is in this district, on a river of its own name. 
It was a considerable trading place before the revolution^ 
but now contains only a few houses. It was here that the 
Yamassee Indians first began their bloody operations, which 
(in eohjunction with other Indian tribes, stimulated by the 
Spaniards) intended the massacre of every white person in 
the province, and to get possession of the country foF the 
Spaniards. Through a kind providence, aiding the vijgi- 



371 

lance and courage of our people, this nefarious attempt was 
frustrated, and resulted in the final banishment of the pro- 
moters of it out of the province. 

Besides the towns and villages above enumerated, there 
are several summer settlements of the planters and their 
families during the sickly months. These are generally- 
situated on the sandy ridges, some distance from the 
swamps. The names of these are as follows : Gillison or 
Martinsville, 4 miles west of Coosawatchie ; Grahamville^ 
9 miles south of the same; M'Phersonsville,6 miles N, W. 
of Pocotaligo, and Heywardsville, 7 1-2 miles from the 
same place. All of which have derived their names from 
their founders. 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE, &C. 

The only body of water, called a Lake, in the district, 
is situate near the Savannah river, opposite to the town of 
Ebenezer, Georgia side. This extends seven or eight miles 
in length, running nearly parallel with the river. The 
creeks are almost innumerable; it would be fatiguing to 
enumerate them. We will pass on to the rivers. 

As was before remarked, Beaufort is well provided with 
navigable water courses. The principal are the Savannah, 
Broad, Combee, or Saltcatcher, Coosaw, Port Royal, Col- 
leton, Morgan, May, New-Pocotaligo, Coosawatchie, 
Cooper, Bull, and Cheekeessee, all of which are navigable 
for vessels of considerable burden. 

The Broad river is an extraordinary bod)'" of water, and 
may be properly termed a bay or sound. It is in somr; 
places upwards of two miles wide, and has the appearance 
of having been at one period the great channel for disembo- 
dying the vast body of waters flowing down between the 
Edisto and Savannah rivers. It continues of great width 
for twenty miles up, when it suddenly conlracls, and melre- 
]y receives a few comparatively small streams ; it is verj- 
evident these could not have created such 3 channel as this. 

T Y 



312 

Of islands, this district has a numbar, and some of them 
beautiful to the eye, rich in production, and withal salubri- 
ous. Upon the sea-coast there areReynolds,Prentis,Chap- 
lins, Eddings, Hilton head, Dawfuskie, and Turtle Islands- 
Behind these are, St. Helena, Pinckney, Paris, Port Roy- 
al, Ladies, Cane, Bermuda, Discane, Bells, Daltha, Coo- 
saw, Morgan, Chisholms, Williams' Harbour, Prings, 
Calwassee, Fording, Barnwell, Whale, Delos, Hall, Lem- 
on, Hunting, Barataria, Sopes, Hog, Savage, Long, Round, 
and Jones' islands. 

VALUE OF LAND — PRICE OF GRAIN — PRICE OP LABOR, — 
MARKET, &C. 

The price of land varies according to situation and quali- 
ty. The best will command from 50 to §60 an acre, the 
second quality, froni 20 to ^30. The inferior,according to 
circumstances, from 25 to 100 cents. The price of grain 
is regulated by the Charleston or Savannah markets; as no 
more is raised by the planters than is required for home 
consumption, little is either bought or sold. 

Laboring hands, of the first class, when hired out, bring 
from 100 to ^120 per annum. 

Charleston is the chief market where the produce of the 
district is taken and sold. Some little is carried to Savan- 
nah, but it is eventually transported to Charleston. The 
productions of Beaufort district are of immense value. It 
is difficult to fix the amount correctly. 

POPULATION— TAXES-POOR, BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB, AND 
LUNATIC PERSONS. 

The last census, in 1S20, gave to the district 32,199,out 
of which number there were 27,339 slaves, and 181 free 
blacks, leaving 4,679 whites. The taxes average about 
-§29,000 annually. The poor are provided for by an as- 
sessment on this general tax of 25 per cent, which affords 
ample provision for them. The number of deaf and dumb 



37S 

in the district is few. There are some instances of luna- 
tic persons. 

EDUCATION'. 

Before the revolution our wealthy planters were in the 
habit of sending their sons to Europe to be educated. In 
the year 1795 the citizens of Beaufort obtained a charter, 
and such funds as they could collect fronrj the sale of es- 
cheated and confiscated property in the district, and also 
from the sales of the vacant lots in the town of Beaufort, with 
which they founded a college, a grammar school, and three 
other schools for boys, one for young ladies, and three for 
young children ; at these several schools there are about 200 
scholars. The college fund amounts to about 60 or 70,000 
dollars. 

The state has done much to encourage education in the 
district, by the liberal appropriations made to establish free 
schools, A number of poor children are now instructed^ 
who would otherwise have remained in ignorance ; and 
there are many at this moment receiving the benefits of 
this invaluable system of gratuitous instruction who will 
have cause to bless the day it was established. How much 
genius and talent will be hereby developed which the state 
would have otherwise lost '. Tlie returns of the commis- 
sioners of free schools for the two last years show an annu- 
al expenditure of near ^2400, and 150 poor children in- 
structed. Private schools are to be found in various parts 
of the district. Parents are becoming more anxious to have 
their sons and daughters educated. 

RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The baptists have the greatest number of churches in 
this district. The episcopalians, including the methodists, 
follow these, then the independents, and last the presbyte- 
rians./ 



374 



STATE OF THE ARTS— LITERATURE— LITERARY SO- 
CIETIES. 

Some attention has been paid to horticulture among us, 
but little to the great subject of agriculture. There ap- 
pears, however, to be a disposition to investigate this inte- 
resting branch of art and science. The country begins to 
exhibit a more settled state of society — wealth and leisure 
are increasing, and associations forming, that will eventu- 
ally result in improvement, when this subject cannot be 
forgotten or neglected. What a field of husbandry does 
this district present! Vast bodies of the richest land ly- 
ing yet unreclaimed, uncullivated, and capable of yielding 
boundless wealth to the proprietors. Our citizens cannot 
remain much longer blind to their own interests in this 
momentous matter. 

Polite literature is much cultivated in the district. A 
library society was instituted in Beaufort, in 1802, and 
contains 6 or 800 volumes ; there are many excellent pri- 
vate libraries. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Beaufort can lay claim to her share of eminent men, 
whose public services will never be forgotten. Among 
these we may select the following : William Bull, four 
times appointed governor under the royal government.* 

Colonel John Barnwell, chosen agent for the province in 
1719, to apply to the king from the people, to beseech his 
majesty to take the province under his immediate care and 
protection, and to release them from the tyranny of the 
proprietary government ; in which Col. Barnwell succeed- 
ed. He had previously (in 1712) commanded a body of 

* Under the administration of Governor Bull, August,! 740, an 
insurrection of the negroes took place, but was providentially dis- 
covered and suppressed ; they were instigated to revolt by the Span- 



375 

militia and Indians, vvitii which lie, after great fatigue, de- 
feated a dangerous conspiracy, formed by the Indians in 
North Carolina, to exterminate the settlers in that quarter. 

Another of the same name distinguished himself at Port 
Royal Island in 1779, when the British, under Major Gar- 
dener, to the number of 200 men, were detached to take 
possession of that island. Soon after he landed. Major Gen- 
Moultrie, at the head of an equal number, in which there 
were only nine regidar soldiers, attacked and drove the 
British off the island. This advantage was princijiai- 
ly gained by two field-pieces, which were well served by 
a party of the Charleston militia artillery, under the com- 
mand of Captains Hey ward and Rulledge. The British 
lost almost all their officers, and several prisoners were tak- 
en by a small party of Port Royal militia, commanded 
by Captain Barnwell. The Americans had eight men 
killed, and twenty-two wounded ; among the former, 
Lieutenant Benjamin Wilkins was the theme of universal 
lamentation. His country regretted the fall of a worthy 
man, and an excellent officer. 

Robert Barnwell, (aftervs^ards Col.) distinguished himself 
in several ways, tending to advance the interests of his coun- 
try. Early in 1779, he was engaged as a volunteer in the 
military service, and received in one unfortunate rencoun- 
ter, no less than seventeen w^ounds, from an attack of the 
enemy on John's Island. He had the good fortune, how- 
ever, to recover from them all, and after the war was made 
speaker of the House of Representatives in the Legisla- 
ture of this state. ■'■ 

* The faithless conduct of the 1st sentinel was the cause of the 
surprise of the party to which Robt. Barnwell was attached; on the 
approach of the enemy, he threw down his gun and fled. The second 
sentinel,(a highly respected citizen of Beaufort,)Jameg Black, having 
had no alarm signal, just had time to fire his piece, when he was 
charged by the enemy, and cut down — the alarm being then given to 
the party in the house, prevented the capture or slaughter of the whole. 



' Colonel Harden. — This gentleman was cue of those who 
renewed the war in Carolina when all appeared lost. He 
with seventy-six exiles, who had been compelled to seek 
refuge with General Marion, on the north side the Santee, 
recrossed that river with the bold design of revisiting their 
own settlements. Some of these were from the militia on 
the sea-coast of Carolina, to the southward of Charleston, 
and Georgia. The first commanded by Colonel Harden, 
the latter by Colonel Baker. On their way they fell in 
with about twenty-five of the royal militia at Four Holes, 
and captured the whole of them. The privates were pa- 
roled, and their officers carried off. As they marched 
through the country, parties were sent to the houses of the 
officers of the royal militia, some of whom were taken, 
and others fled to Charleston. Colonel Harden had two or 
three successful skirmishes with detachments of the Brit- 
ish, but his capital manoeuvre was the surprise of Fort Bal- 
fair, at Pokataligo. By his address and good management 
in this enterprise, three British colonels of militia. Fen- 
wick, Lochmere, and Kelsal, with thirty-two regular dra- 
goons, and fifty-six privates of the royal militia, surrender- 
ed on the ISthof April, 1781, to this handful of returning 
exiles, withaut any loss on their part. Colonel Harden had 
his party considerably increased, by daily accessions of 
the people inhabiting the southern sea-coast of Carolina. 
With their aid he prosecuted, in that part of the state, the 
same successful plan of opposition to the British, which 
was begun mnch earlier in the northwestern, and north- 
eastern extremities, under the auspices of his gallant coad- 
jutors, Sumter and Marion. 

CUSTOMS— AMUSEMENTS. 

Tliese differ nothing from those prevailing in the lower 

JJlack was so severely 'vountied, that he never recovered : he died not. 
long after. 



r 



•377 

districts. Hunting is the principal amusement of the plan- 
ters, and its consequent associations at the club house. ' 

ROCKS— GRANITE— FREESTONE— SHELL LLMESTONE, kc. 

Beaufort is located in the alluvial country, and presents 
no appearance of rocks, or even pebble-stones. There is a 
species of rock found occasionally, of a very firm texture, 
resembling marble, which is evidently formed of shells. 
At Captain Hugennin's plantation, below Coosawatchie, I 
have picked up small fragments of it, and understand it is 
found in large masses. There is a rock of it at the junction 
of the New River with the Cooper. Shells in abundance 
are found every where, and the remains of marine animals. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES— MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

Besides a fine growth of pine, we have the cypress, red 
cedar, and live oak. The live oak grows to an enormous 
size on our sea islands ; some of them girthing upwards of 
twenty feet, and the branches extending to a vast distance. 
White oak, red oak, and several other oaks, hickory, plum, 
palmetto, magnolia, poplar, beech, birch, ash, dogwood, 
black mulberry, &c. Of fruit trees, we have the orange, 
sweet and sour, peach, nectarine, fig, cherry; besides a 
great variety of grapes, berries, such as the strawberry, 
blackberry, &c. 

JCLIMATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY, »^c. 

Beaufort is one of the healthiest districts in the low coun- 
try. It possesses a fine range of sea islands, perfectly salu- 
brious. The sand ridges between the swamps are almost 
equally so. The town of Beaufort has always been remark- 
able for the health and longevity of its inhabitants, the 
complexions of the people are a proof of the former, the 
parish register of the latter. The records of the climate, 
state the interments of sixteen persons, whose ages averager© 



378 

seventy-nine years. Thomas Farling, who was at the 
battle of the Boyne, died in 1756, aged ninety-six. 
Richard Dale, died in 1797, aged eighty -four. The dis- 
eases of the district partake of the bilious character. 

The climate of Beaufort, taken in the aggregate is the 
most delightful on the seaboard in the United States. A 
perpetual verdure prevails in the lower parts of the dis- 
trict; oranges and lemons flourish, are in great abundance, 
and are rarely affected by the frost. The heat is not so 
oppressive as in the northern states, though of longer 
continuance, and the winter so mild, as scarcely to re- 
quire the aid of fires to make the inhabitants cbmfortable, 
except in damp or wet weather. A delightful breeze 
comes in during the day from the ocean, and the perpetual 
rising and falling of the tides keep up a continu-al agitation 
of the air. 

FISH, GAME, BIRDS, &C. 

The sah waters abound with the finest fish, such as 
drum, bass, black-fish, sheep-head, whiting, cavalli, mullet, 
sailor's choice, .&c. besides the shark and porpois; of shell- 
fish, we have sea-turtle, oysters, crabs, shrimps, clams and 
muscles. In the fresh waters we have the pike, perch, 
mud-fish, gar-fish, eel, &c. Of game, we have of ani- 
mals, the deer, wild cat, fox, otter, black and gray squir- 
rel, rabbit, oppossum, raccoon, &c. &c. Of birds, the bald 
eagle, the various kinds of hawks, crow, owl, parroquet, 
black bird, rice-bird, duck, wild turkey, and pigeon, cur- 
lew, flamingo, wood-cock, wild goose, dove, and a great 
variety of others. Of the singing birds, we have the 
mocking-bird, the red-bird, the blue-bird, nonpareil, lin- 
net, chickwidow, &c. Of serpents we have the rattle- 
snake, viper, black, copper, moccason, water, and several 
others ; the alligator is found also in brackish and fresb 
waters. 



379 



MANUFACTURES. 

Very little, of even domestic manufactureSj, is carrieS 
on in the district. - 

NAMES OP PLACES, INDIAN OR OTHERWISE. 

A number of Indian names are preserved in this districtj 
chiefly connected with the rivers. Such are the Coos= 
awatchie, Combahee, SaJkehatchie, Cheeschesee, Pocota- 
ligo, Coosaw, besides Calwassee island, Tuckasaw, Para- 
chocla Bluff, &c. The bri^in of the names we are ignorant 
of.* This part of the state at one time supported a vast 
population of Indians, who went under the common name 
of the Yamassees. That section of the district bordering 
on the Savannah river, is, to this day, called Indian 
land. The Yamassees had long been esteemed by the 
Carolinians as friends and allies, until" 171 5, when, corrupt- 
ed by the Spaniards, they conspired the destruction of 
the province ; they were joined by the Creeks, Appala- 
chians, Congarees, Catawbas, and Cherokees ; and sud- 
denly rose upon the unsuspecting settlers. Before this 
formidable body of Indians were defeated, they murdered 
400 innocent inhabitants. The Yamassees in consequence 
were expelled from the province. 

COMMERCE. 

Beaufort has no sea vessels, further than sloops and 
small schooners, that ply between Be?.ufort, Coosawatchie, 
and Charleston. 

ROADS BRIDGES — FERRIES — HARBOURS, &C. 

The roads of this district are generally good, the bridges, 
ferries, and causeways are in tolerable good order. Some 

* Hiltonhead is said to have derived its name from tlie captain of 
the vessel in which Col. Sayle came over to make discoveries on the 
southern continent. 

z z 



380 

considerable works of the latter kind have been executed; 
one at Beaufort, exceeding a mile in length, was executed 
by Mr. William Elliot ; another leading to Union ferry, 
(nearly opposite to the city of Savannah,) called the Union 
causeway, 44 miles long, was executed by a company, 
and was a formidable undertaking. 

WASTE LANDS — SWAMP — QUANTITY RECLAIMED. 

There is a cbnsiderable body of waste lands in this dis- 
trict, particularly in the lower section of it. Extensive 
marshes covered with the tide, are scattered every where, 
which, if reclaimed, would be of immense value for raising 
cotton. Our inland and river swamps, can scarcely be 
termed waste lands, inasmuch as they furnish inexhausti- 
ble pastures for cattle. Beaufort embraces a vast body of 
rich sv^ramp land, which one day will prove of immense 
value, when reclaimed and brought into cultivation. 

An extensive body of river swamp on Savannah, has 
been reclaimed by Mr. Scriven and others, and has well 
repaid the labor bestowed on it by its abundant, and rich 
products. This work was for some time deemed imprac- 
ticable, but the company proceeded boldly, and succeeded. 
They have now several hundred acres under cultivation, 
completely furnished with canals, and sluices for flowing 
the fields or drawing off the waters. It is of no importance 
what may be the seasons, the crops are secure. Some of 
the fields are under corn, some under rice; formerly the 
sugar-cane was cultivated here in great perfection. From 
the first crop the planters round were supplied with seed, 
the whole being sold for this purpose.* 

'■* The sugar-cane is of very easy culture ; the cuttings of the stalk 
are laid along in the drills, live feet apart and are slightly covered 
with clay. In their early stage they look very like young corn ; from 
one etalk to ten will come up from a joint. They run the plough be- 
tween once or twice, after which the cane spreads so as to kill all 



sni 



VVHAl IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

A %'ast field of inquiry opens on the presentation of a 
question of this important nature. The first subject asso- 
ciated with it relates to the reclamation of the extensive 
swamps, which cover a great portion of this district. These 
lands are of the finest quality, rich, and deep in soil ; they 
may properly be denominated the gold mines of the coun- 
try, being inexhaustible in their products. Such is their 
inestimable worth, that no labor bestowed to reclaim them 
could possibly be equal to their value afterwards. Fortu- 
nately the expense of bringing these swamp lands into cul- 
tivation is comparatively small, perfectly practicable, and 
within the means of the country to eflfect. 

The fear that at one time rested on our minds that there 
was not sufficient descent in these swamps to allow their 
water to be drawn off, is not at an end ; actual surveys haV" 
ing proved that the smallest descent to be found in the 
lowest of them, is not less than three or four inches to the 
mile, and in most of them from 12 to 18 inches. NoWj 
from experiojents made in the science of hydraulics, w© 
know that where water runs freely, a very small descent 
is requisite to produce a current. One inch only in the 
mile, will give a velocity of half a mile an hour. Thus 
is the fear groundless, that our swamps cannot be drained. 

In regard to the expense of reclaiming them, this must 

the grass and weeds. They save the stalks for seed by laying them 
in beds and covering them with clay. From the success attending 
the culture of this plant, and the manufacture of the sugar from the 
cane, there is no doubt of our capacity, so far, to render ourselves 
independent of the West Indies, whenever circumstances may require 
it. Upon an emergency the tea and coffee plant may also be raised 
here, but both of these can be furnished by Florida. As regard? wine, 
silk, oil, &c., we know the capacities of our country to produce the 
grape, olive, and silk worm. Thus it may be said that we possess 
within4)urselve8 the means of producing, not only all the necesparies, 
but the luxuries and elegancies of life. 



382 

vary according to their location ; some costing but little, 
while others will cost much more. On an average, the 
whole expense would hardly exceed 12 dollars an acre — 
their worth afterwards would be from 50 to 100 dollars* 
In addition to the pecuniary advantages arising out of this 
undertaking, a far superior benefit would result from it, 
nothing less than giving general health to this country, as 
the cause of disease, universally acknowledged to be ge- 
nerated in our swamps, would be thereby removed. 

What countless blessings! What sources of prosperity 
and comfort! What happiness would flow from the execu- 
tion of a work of this important nature! What a valuable 
consideration too, is offered, to urge our citizens to undertake 
it, and to persevere in accomplishing it ! 

This district may contain about 180,000 acres of swamp 
land yet unreclaimed ; its population is over 33,000. Sup- 
pose we were to appropriate one third of this population, 
or 10,000 hands, to this work, or to be taxed to do it j 
then each hand would only have IS acres for his propor- 
tion to reclaim, or, the tax to be imposed upon each would 
be only ISO dollars. If only half this force was put to the 
work, it might be accomplished in less than 2 years ; and 
we might venture to say, that if vigorous measures were 
adopted, 2500 hands could in three years finish this noble 
undertaking. 

Who that loves his country does not rejoice in the pros- 
pect here presented of securing its health and prosperity, 
upon the surest basis ? Who would not give 100 dollars to 
accomplish it ? 

The next subject for improvement in this district relates 
to its agriculture. That system of culture in our uplands, 
where the soil is thin, which shall restore in place of ex- 
hausting their capacity to produce, is a disideratum of great 
moment. The present system pursued tends to deteriorate 
the soil, and consequently to injure if not to ruin the coun- 
try. If our citizens would act wisely, they ought to pur- 



383 



sue one of two modes of cultivation. First, either to adopt 
the common reg;ular system of agriculture on their uplands, 
by manuring them ; or second ly, leave the uplands in 
woods, and reclaim and cultivate all the low or swamp 
lands, which, from the nature of their soil require no ma- 
nuring, but simply irrigation. It behooves us to be care- 
ful of our wood lands, for we have no coal to substitute for 
fuel when the timber is gone. Some parts of the district 
are beginning already to experience a want of timber, even 
for common purposes If we cut off the wood and exhaust 
the soil, by repeated culture, without manuring, a long 
period must elapse before another growth of timber occu- 
pies the same ground. 

Every plantation ought to reserve at least one fourth of 
its extent of acres in wood; and, when clearing land, the 
planter should always leave a sufficient depth of wood 
land, next to the river or swamp, standing, as a pro- 
tection to the health of the inhabitants residing on the high 
lands contiguous. 

The system of support to the poor wants revision, and 
such a change as will tend to create a spirit of industry 
among those dependent on public or individual charity^ 
It is very evident that the majority, at least of those who 
represent themselves as paupers, are in a capacity to sup- 
port themselves, if they were furnished with suitable em- 
ployment. It becomes a duty, and it is politic to furnish 
such with work. Those poor who have any sense of pro- 
priety, will rejoice in the opportunity thus afforded them 
to support themselves, and such as have no shame in this 
respect, will have no excuse for not working, as they will 
not have it in their power to say, " we can get no employ- 
ment." The sick poor are the only true paupers ; these 
should be nourished and comforted, and receive every aid 
of the benevolent, but no others should be released from 
laboring for their own support. Whenever such a paupev 
applies for charity, he should immediately, with all his or 



384 

her children, be subject to the regulation of the poor laws, 
which should provide them with work, and the children be 
placed where they shall be taught habits of industry and 
sobriety: to this end the Free School system for educating 
the children of the poor, should be so amended as to require 
that one half the time of such children should be devoted to 
learning some useful employment which would enable them 
afterwards to support themselves ; and particular care taken 
to encourage them in habits of industry, by distributing 
rewards for merit among the worthy. 

The origin of pauperism is to be traced to indolence, im- 
prudence, and want of economy. It is important there- 
fore, if we wish to root out this evil, to attend to the pro- 
per education of the children of the poor. We know that in 
this favored country, common industry and prudence will 
enable the poorest to rise to independence and respect. 

This subject is interesting, and demands the scrutiny of 
the legislature, which provides so liberally every year to 
benefit the poor of the state. 

The sum expended annually on these two objects, would, 
if properly managed, create a capital which in the course 
of a few years would be sufficient without any further ap- 
propriations to support, if not both establishments, at least 
that of the poor, or those coming under the denomination 
of paupers. 



385 



CHARLESTON. 

UISIORY OF THE SETTLEMENT—ORIGIN OF ITS NAME, 

The first permanent settlement of this district took place in 
the year 1670.* A few emigrants from England, under the 
direction of Wm. Sajle, (appointed Governor of the Province,) 
located themselves on the Western banks of Ashley river, (on 
the spot now occupied by the plantation of Lynch Horry, Esq. 
and still called Old town,) where they laid the foundation of 
old Charleston. The names of these first settlers, as far as we 
are able to ascertain from the record in the Secretary of State's 
office, are as follow: — William Sayle, Thomas Ingram, Samuel 
West, William Owen, Captain Henry Braine, Lieutenant 
Henry Hughes, John Coming, Captain Florence O'SuUivan, 
John Williamson, Ralph Marshall, Captain Stephen Bull, Cap- 
tain Joseph Bayley, Sir John Yeamans, Richard Deyos, James 
Jours, Thomas Turnip, Priscilla Burke, Major Thomas Gray, 
John Foster, Richard Batin, Henry Wood, George Beadon, 
tensign Hugh Carterel, Captain George Thompson, William 
Kennis, Captain Nathaniel Sayle, Thomas Huit, Captain Mau- 
rice Mathews, Michael Smith, Thomas Thompson, Captain 
Gyles Hall, Thomas and James Smith, Richard Cole, Joseph 
Dalton, John Pinkerd, Joseph Pendavis, John Maverick, Philip 
Comeston, Christopher Portman, Ensign Henry Prettye, Timo- 
thy Biggs, Charles Miller, John Culpepper, Captain John 
Robinson, Ensign John Boone, and Edward Mathews. 

In 1691, the following additional names of settlers occur: — 
Paul Grimbal, John Watkins, Richard Newton, Roger Goss, 
Adam Richardson, Edmund Medlicotte. William Balloh, 
Christopher Linkety, Thomas Pinckney, Captain George Rei- 
ner, Joshua Wilkes, Robert Fenwicke, James Gilchrist, Fran- 
cis Blanchard, Roger Clase, William Crosslye, Daniel Raw- 

* This is ascertained by a codicil to Colonel Sayles' will, made in 
Charleston, September 30, 1670, 



386 

linson, Robert Mathews, Ralph Wilson, William Walesley, 
Richard, Abram, and John Palmer ; Benjamin Waring, Isaac 
Mazyck, and John Postell, arrived in 1693; William Fuller 
and family, Gabriel Manigault, and Thomas Farr, in 1695. 

The district took its name from the town laid out within its 
limits, Charlestown, in honor of the reigning English monarch 
at that time, Charles 11. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Charleston district embraces a greater extent of territory 
than any other district in the state. It presents a line of coast 
upwards of 74 miles long, extending back 53 miles, and in- 
cludes an area equal to 1,351,680 acres. It is bounded on the 
S. and E. by the Atlantic oceanj on the N. andE. (as high up 
as Nelson's ferry) by the Santee river, which divides it from 
Georgetown and Williamsburg ; on the N. by Orangeburg ; 
from which it is separated by a straight line, which runs from 
Nelson's ferry W. 52° S., until it strikes the Four-hole swamp. 
On the W. by Colleton disti-ict, (from which it is divided by 
the following lines: down the Four-hole swamp to the four holes, 
at Harley's bridge ; thence by a line drawn S. 64° E. to the 
intersection of Windsor Hill ; thence S. W. over to the head 
of Sawpit creek, down this creek to Ashley river, up this river 
to Ashley Hill, thence by a waving line westerly over to Stone 
or Long Savannah swamp, down this swamp to Stono river, up 
this river and across through new cut to Wadmalaw river, down 
fhis river to Dawhaw river, up this river, and across into Pon- 
pon or South Edisto, and down this river to the ocean. 

SOIL— PRODUCTIONS— QUANTITY TO THE ACRE— VALUE. 

The nature of the soil is various, from the richest vegetable 
mould to the poorest sand. The swamps, where reclaimed or 
embanked in from freshets, have repaid tenfold the expense 
incident to doing so, in the vast quantity of their products. 
The soil of these lowlands is of an inexhaustible quality, and 
sliould it even at any time ;:equire manuring, the planter has 
only to open his flood-gates, admit the river freshets, and allow 
the waters to deposit the rich mould which is suspended in 



387 

them. One such deposition will yield more manure than can 
collect for years in barn-yards. These lowlands were first re- 
claimed for the culture of rice.* They are now used for the 
cultivation of cotton, corn, and pulse of various kinds, to the 
great interest of the planters. 

The soil and climate of Charleston district are well adapted 
to the growth of rice, cotton, flax, indigo, madder, maize, rycj 
barley, &c., besides the various pulses and esculent roots, such 
as the tanya, sweet potato, turnip, carrot, onion, &c. Rice 
was once the principal article raised, but it has been in a great 
measure superseded by cottoni yet it is still growing in con- 
siderable quantities in some parts of the district, and is equally 
profitable with cotton j one cause of its decline is the want of 
water to the inland swamps, where rice was formerly raised: 
large tracts of these are now lying waste, to the serious injury 
of the country, particularly as respects its health. Rice is also 
raised upon the uplands, but the profits arising from planting 
it there are not such as to induce its pursuit in preference to 
cotton, except for family use. The yield of this grain is verj 
great, 1400 pounds are commonly the product from an acre.t 

* For the water culture of this valuable grain, this country is in- 
debted to Gideon Dupont, of Great James Goose Creek, an experi- 
enced planter of sound judgment, who, after repeated trials, ascer- 
tained its practicability and great utility, fn the year 1783 he peti- 
tioned the Legislature of the state on the subject. A committee of 
five was appointed to confer with him. To them he freely commu- 
nicated his method, relying on the generosity of the public. The 
treasury being then empty, the committee could only recommend 
granting him a patent. This he declined. His method is now in 
general use on river swamp lands, and has been the means of enrich- 
ing thousands, though he reaped for himself no pecuniary recompense. 

f This valuable article of food was introduced into Carolina one 
hundred and twenty-three years ago, by a very providential circum- 
stance. A vessel from Madagascar being in distress came to anchor 
near Sullivan's Island. The master being an old acquaintance of Mr. 
Thomas Smith, (the landgrave,) inquired for him. An interview took 
place. In the course of conversation Mr. Smith expressed a wish to 

A A 2 



388 

Indigo was the next principal article'raised in this district. 
Its native country is Hindostan, but it had become naturalized 
in the West India Islands, from whence it was introduced into 
Carolina, by Miss Eliza Lucas, (the mother of the late Major 
General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.)* 

From that time the culture of indigo was common. Soon 
after the dye was successfully extracted from the cultivated 

obtain some seed rice to plant in his garden, by way of experiment. 
The cook being called, said he had a small bag of nee suitable for 
that purpose. This was presented to Mr. Smith, who sowed it in a 
low spot of his garden, which now forms a part of Longitude lane. 
It grew luxuriantly. The little crop was distributed jbyj Mr. Smith 
among his planting friends. From this small beginning the first sta- 
ple commodity of Carolina took its rise. 

* Her father, George Lucas, Governor of Antigua, observing her 
fondness for the vegetable tribe, frequently sent to her tropical seeds 
and fruits, to be planted for her amusement on his plantation at Wap- 
poo. Among others he sent her some indigo seed,[as a subject of ex- 
periment. She planted it in March, 1741 or 42. It was destroyed by 
frost ; she repeated the experiment in April ; this was cut down by a 
worm. Notwithstanding these discouragements she persevered, and 
her third attempt was successful. Governor Lucas, on hearing that 
the plant had ripened, sent fiom Montserrat a man by the name of 
Cromwell, who had been accustomed to the making of indigo, and 
engaged him at high wages to come to Carolina and let his daughter 
see the whole process for extracting the dye from the weed. Thie 
professed indigo-maker built vats on Wappoo creek, and there made 
the first indigo that was formed in Carolina. It was but indifferent. 
Cromwell repented of his engagements, as being likely to injure his 
own country, made a mystery of the business, and with the hope of 
deceiving, injured the process by' throwing in too much hme. Miss 
Lucas watched him carefully, and also engaged Mr. Deveaux to su- 
perintend his operations. Notwithstanding the duplicity of Cromwell, 
a knowledge of the process was obtained. Soon after Miss Lucas had 
completely succeeded in this useful project, she married Charles 
Pinckney, and her father made a present of all the indigo on his plan- 
tation, the fruit of her industry, to her husband. The whole^jwas 
saved for seed; part was planted by the proprietor next year at Ashe- 
poo, and the remainder given away to his friends, in small quantities, 
for the same purpose. They all succeeded. 



389 

plant, Mr. Cattel made a present to Mr. Plnckney of some 
wild indigo^which he had just discovered in the woods of Caro 
lina. Experiments were instituted to ascertain its virtues. It 
proved to be capable of yielding good indigo, but was less pro- 
ductive than what had been imported. The attention of the 
planters was fixed on the latter. They urged its culture with 
so much industry and success, that in the year \747 a consid- 
erable^quantity of it was sent to England, which induced the 
merchants trading to Carolina to petition Parliament for a boun- 
ty on Carolina indigo. 

The quantity of indigo produced from an acre is not less 
than between 30 and 60 pounds, and worth at market one dol- 
lar per pound. 

But the article of cotton has in general taken the place of 
the two first as a staple, not only from its being equally pro- 
ductive, but from its safer culture, both in regard to health and 
certainty of crops. The cotton plant was originally introduced 
here about thel close of the eighteenth century. The same 
grounds where the indigo was planted being suitable for raising 
cotton, this new staple soon^took its place, and indigo has been 
ever since comparatively neglected. Rice and cotton now 
may be considered as the only two articles raised as a staple 
in this district. The quantity of cotton produced to the acre 
varies according to situation, as the quality does. On the best 
lands the yield is 250 pounds of clean cotton, and on the infe- 
rior, in proportion, from 100 to 150 pounds. All the cotton 
raised here is of the quality called the black seed or long staple, 
which is the best, and admirably adapted to the finest manu- 
factures. One laborer can raise as much of this commodity in 
one season as will afford the raw materials for 1500 yards of 
common cloth, or sufficient to cover 150 persons. The price 
of this cotton per pound is from twenty -five cents to one dollar, 
according to quality. What com is raised in the district is 
mostly for plantation and family use. The quantity produced 
to the acre in the low grounds has been equal to 75 bushels ; 
on the high lands the average is from 15 to 20 bushels. Very 
little riiore is cultivated than is required for family use, and it 



390 

can generally be bought lower in the city of Charleston than 
in the country. Indeed such has been the improvidence of the 
planters in this respect, that in some years they have been oblig- 
ed to purchase this grain, and to give sometimes the exorbitant 
price of one dollar and fifty cents and two dollars a bushel. 

DISTRICT TOWNS, &c. 

The city of Charleston is the seat of justice of the district, 
and constitutes the Commercial Emporium of the state. It is 
situate at the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper rivers, and 
covers a considerable extent of ground. It is admirably lo- 
cated for commerce, having a spacious, deep, and safe harbour, 
capable of accommodating the largest ships. It lies within 
seven miles of the ocean, and is centra! to the southern states, 
(between the capes of Chesapeake and Florida) and contiguous 
to the West India Islands. Ships drawing twenty feet water 
may safely pass the bar and approach any of the wharves. The 
present site of the city was settled as early as 1672, but it was 
not made the seat of government until 1680. The names of 
the first settlers have been already noticed. In 1670 the 
colony located themselves on the western side of Ashley river, 
with a view of founding a town there, but soon discovered that 
it could not be approached by vessels of large burden. It was 
therefore abandoned and the town removed to its present site.* 
Taking every circumstance into consideration a more judicious 
spot for a commercial town could not have been selected. 

In 1704 the boundaries of the city did not extend further 
west than Meeting-street, north than the present Market-street, 
and south than Water-street, the whole of which was circum- 
scribed by a line of fortification. The improvements of 

* In 1677 it was called Oyster Point Town ; in 1680, New Charles- 
town; and in 1682, Charlestown. 

A monument in the circular church, erected to the memory of 
Robert Trad ds, states, " that he was the first male child born in 
Charlestown ;" and that "he died on the 30th March, 1731, in the 
52d year of his age." Though the precise time of his birth is not 
mentioned, the whole accords with other historic evidences that 
Cliarlestown began to be built in 1680. 



391 

Charleston now extend from river to river, and from the south 
point of the peninsula, upwards of one mile and a half north. 
The number of its buildings exceeds 5000, and the population 
at the present time, including the suburbs, 40,000 souls. 

The growth of this city was very tardy in the beginning, and 
previous to the revolution. Since that eventful period its pro= 
gress has been proportionably rapid, especially between the 
years 1800 and 1820. The commercial prosperity which it 
then experienced produced a spirit of enterprise among the 
citizens that resulted in favor of public and private improve- 
ment; hence the erection of a number of large private houses, 
stores, &c. 

It might be a little curious and interesting briefly to notice 
the original state of the ground on which this city now stands, 
in order that we may better appreciate the difficulties which 
our forefathers had to encounter to improve it. 

The site of Charleston, in its natural state, was a slip of 
land, stretching southeastwardly between two rivers, and 
projecting into the harbour, formed by their junction. 
It was divided into a number of peninsulas, by creeks and 
marshes, which indented it on three sides, so as to leave 
but little unbroken high land in the middle. The first 
buildings extended along East Bay-street, and had a marsh 
in their whole front, A considerable creek, named Van- 
derhost's creek, occupied the foundation of Water-street, 
and passing beyond Meeting-street, sent out a branch to 
the northward, nearly to the present site of the first pres- 
byterian church. Another creek stretched northwestward- 
ly, nearly parallel to East Bay-street, from the neighbor- 
hood of M*Cleo(!'s lots, (the battery,) through Longitude- 
lane and the north of it. The same kind of low grounds 
ran up Queen's-street (then called Dock-street), beyond 
the French church, and through Bersford Alley till it ap- 
proached Meeting-street. The north end of Union, now 
State-street, was planted with rice about the middle of the 
eighteenth century. Another very large creek occupied 



392 

the site of the present'central market, and extended west- 
wardly beyond Meeting-street, then diverging southward- 
ly almost to the independent church, and spreading exten- 
sively to the northwest, and throwing off a branch to the 
northeast, so as to cover a large portion of ground. Besides 
the marsh and these creeks, which nearly environed three 
sides of the improved part of Charleston, there was ano- 
ther creek to the southward of what is now Water-street, 
which stretched westwardly over Church-street ; and ano- 
ther, which ran northwardly up Meeting-street, and then 
extended across, westwardly, nearly to King-street. A 
creek ran from the west, near where the late Peter Smith's 
house stands, and nearly parallel to South Bay, till it ap- 
proached the last mentioned creek, and was divided from 
it by King-street, and a slip of land on each side. Six 
other creeks ran eastwardly from Ashley river, three of 
•which stretched across the peninsula, so as to approximate 
to King-street. There were also ponds and low grounds in 
different parts of the town ; one of these extended on the 
east side of King-street, almost the whole distance between 
Broad and ^Tradd streets. This was granted to the 
French church in 1701, but being useless in its then state, 
was leased out by them for fifty years ; in the course of 
that period, the tenants improved and built upon it. There 
was also a large body of low grounds at the intersection of 
Hazel and Meeting streets. The elder inhabitants often 
mention a large pond where the court-house now stands. 
It is believed that this, though real, was artificial. It is 
probable that the intrenchments attached to the western for- 
tifications of Charleston (which extended up and down 
Meeting-street, from the vicinity of the first presbyterian 
church, were dug so deep as to cause a constant and large 
collection of water at that middle part of the lines. It was 
the sitef-of Johnson's covered half-moon, and of a draw- 
bridge, over which was the chief communication between 
^he town and country. No prudent engineer weuld erect 



393 

such works as these in a pond, though when 'they were 
erected in the moist soil of Charlestonj they would be very 
likely to produce one. Whether this was a natural or ar- 
tificial collection of water, there was enough in other parts 
of the town to make it unhealthy. 

Such, with some alteration, was the city of CharlestOE 
for the first seventy years after its settlement. 

To reduce such a quagmire to a firm, high, and dry state^ 
required perseverance, time, labor, and expense. Much 
has been done, but much still remains for future enterprise. 

The pond at the south end of Meeting-street, was filled 
up, and built upon by Josiah Smith, in the years 1767^ 
1768, and 1769, at an expense of about £1200 sterling. 

Vanderhost creek was turned into firm, solid land, be- 
tween the years 1788 and 1792, and obtained the name of 
Water-street. 

The creek running under the Governor's bridge, was 
finally obliterated, and turned into a market,place, between 
the years 1804 and 1807. The extreme marsh land and 
low grounds to the north and west of this creek had been 
filled up and built upon some years before, by John Eber- 
ly, Anthony Toomer, and others. The time when the 
other creeks were converted into solid land, and improved^ 
cannot be exactly ascertained. As Charleston extended, 
and land became more valuable, industrious enterprising 
individuals, by draining marshes, and filling up creeks, 
advanced their private interests, and contributed to 'the 
growing salubrity of the town. 

In addition to what has been effected by individuals, for 
converting marsh into sohd Jland, ["several incidental causes 
have (says Dr. Ramsay) contributed to a similar' result 
Every cellar, vault, and well, that has been dug in^Charles- 
ton, for 144 years past, brought to the surface a part of a 
sandy soil, which, ivhen^laid on soft,|low'^ground, ■ promo= 
ted its induration and elevation. 

Fires, (of which there have been many,) though destruc- 



394 

tive of property, have not been without their use. 'The 
lime, the mortar, and broken bricks of the burnt houses, 
were for the most part added to the surface of the ground^ 
and corrected its capacity for producing disease. In addi« 
tion to the dryness of the soil, its elevation was beneficial. 
To the latter, not only every new building but every inha- 
bitant contributed more i»r less every day. The offals of 
a single soap boiler sometimes amount to 500 bushels of 
spent ashes in a week. This multiplied by the number of 
the trade, and by the number of weeks that take place in 
a century, and by similar deposits from other personSj 
would contribute materially to the elevation of the ground 
covered with houses and crowded with inhabitants. The 
projection of wharves into the adjacent rivers, which are 
filled up with dry materials, changes low unwholesome 
ground into what is high and healthy ; houses now stand 
in safety which were carried out so near to the channel of 
Cooper river, that the ooze which previously obtruded on 
the senses every ebb tide, is now no longer visible. From 
these and similar additions to the soil, Charleston has been 
constantly though slowly becoming higher, drier, and 
healthier. The increase of an inch in 15 or 20 years, 
would probably be a moderate calculation for the aggregate 
amount of every addition that is made to it in that period. 
One foot less in the height of the land, or one foot more in 
the height of the water in the hurricane of 1752, would, in 
the opinion of eyewitnesses, have inundated almost every 
spot of ground in Charleston. Under such circumstances, 
the gradual elevation of the surface increasing with time 
and population holds out encouraging prospects to posteri- 
ty ; for the higher and drier it is, the more secure and 
healthy it will be. 

The city of Charleston, at the present time, presents a 
very different aspect to what it did, even less than half a 
century ago. Its whole eastern extent (which originally 
was a marsh) is now lined with handsome wharves, and its 



3d5 

western side is rapidly improving in the same way. The 
marhes are every where disappearing, and a firm and dry 
soil taking their place. Substantial brick houses are super- 
seding those of wood. Several of the principal streets,are 
paved with stone, and the system still continued; the foot- 
ways are paved with brick, and often shaded by the beauti- 
ful melia azederacha, pride of India tree ; drains of brick 
are constructed under the streets to carry off the waters 
falling in rains ; cisterns for the reception of rain water 
are to be found in many places, which provide the most 
wholesome water for drinking and culinary purposes. 

Efforts have been made, from time to time, to supply the 
city with water from springs in the neighbourhood, but no 
effectual plan has yet been carried into execution, which 
would secure so great a blessing. Within the lines of the city^ 
two attempts have been made, by sinking a shaft, and bor- 
ing, under the hope of succeeding to strike upon a spring, 
which, as has occurred in other places, would rise and flow 
over the surface of the ground, in a constant stream : but 
these experiments have yet proved abortive.* Indeed, for 
so large a city as Charleston, and under such solar influence, 
a river itself would not be too abundant to answer the re- 
quisite demands.t 

The city of Charleston was incorporated by act of the 
Legislature, in August, 17S3, and divided into thirteen 

* A particular account of these experiments will be found under the 
head of Natural History of the state. 

From an analysis made of the well waters in this cifiy, they were 
found to contain from six to eight grains ofmuriate of soda, or sea salt. 

f The city council have lately passed an ordinance authorizing Mr. 
Mills to raise a company to supply Charleston with- water from such 
source or sources as maybe found most expedient: and as it is practi- 
cable to introduce such a supply, provided proper means are adopted, 
the realization of so great a good will now depend altogether upon 
the interest taken in the work by our own citizens. Of its profitable 
result/there can be no (Jueetion. 

B B 2 



396 

wards, governed by an intendant and twelve wardens, (the 
intendant elected by the people.) 

The city has a military guard, or nightly watch, com- 
posed of a captain, three subalterns, ten non-commissioned 
officers, and 100 rank and file. Its municipal regulations 
are very strict and regular, and great order is observed, 
which, under the circumstance of its mixed and marine 
population, is a proof of the vigilance of its police. After 
the ringing of the great bell and drum beat, (which takes 
place at 9 o'clock, P. M. in winter, and 10 in summer,) 
the streets are as silent as night itself; a riot is a rare oc- 
currence. 

The pbsition of this city, in relation to other important 
points in the United States, is as follows : From the city of 
Washington it lies S. S. W. 544 miles ; from Baltimore, 
583 ; from Philadelphia, 681 ; New- York, 771 ; Boston, 
981 ; Savannah lies S. W. 115 miles, and Columbia, N. 
W. no. The latitude of Charleston is 32° 45' N. long, 
1° S' 30" E. of Columbia ; 2° 57' 3" W. of the capitol, at 
Washington, and 79° 52' 3" W. of Greenwich obser- 
vatory. 

The population of the city in 1820 was 24,780, but in- 
eluding the suburbs, 37,471. This however is much under 
the mark; for the census of 1820 was taken in the summer, 
when, at the lowest computation,from 1500 to 2000 inhabit- 
ants were absent fromCharleston, (principal y at the north,) 
who were not included in the above enumeration. Taking 
this circumstance and the natural increase into calculation, 
the city may be truly said now to contain 27,000, and, in- 
cluding the suburbs, 40,000 souls, namely : 

Whites— City— 12,500 Slaves— City— 12,500 

Do.— Neck — 4,500 Do.— Neck— 7,500 

Free col.-— City — 1,400 Free coL— Neck—1,600 



18,400 21,600 

The commercial advantages of Charleston, are equal to 



397 

those of any city in the union. The vaUie of its domestic 
exports exceeds that of any other, though this does not 
appear upon the face of the treasury department returns. 
At a very early period of the first settlement of North 
America, the trade of Charleston commanded attention. 
For the first thirty years after the foundation of the city it 
consisted in staves, furs, lumber, and peltry ; rice began 
to be exported about the beginning of the year 1700. From 
1720 to 1729, there were 204,488 barrels exported to En- 
gland ; and between 1730 and 1739, 439,525 barrels. 
From 1747, indigo was added ; from 1782, tobacco ; and 
from 1792, cotton. The aggregate value ot the exports 
was in such a course of progressive increase, that in the 
last year of that century, it amounted to 10,554,842 dollars ; 
and in the first year of this century, to 14,304,045 dollars. 
Its imports in 1S20, notwithstanding the depressed state 
of trade that year throughout the mercantile world, from 
September 30, 1820, to September 30, 1S21, amounted to 
^3,006,812, and its exports to foreign ports, paying duties, 
10^8,690,539. The shipping employed during the s me 
period amounted to near 50,000 tons. 

Foreign, 18,990 
American, 30,750 



,740 

To give some idea of the value of our domestic exports, 
the average annual nett amount of duties collected by the 
general government at Charleston, in 1815, 16, 17, and IS, 
exceeded one million two hundred and fifty-seven thousand 
dollars. 

The exports now consist principally of sea island and 
short staple cotton, and rice, with some lumber, pitch, tar, 
turpentine, &c. The value of the articles shipped to fo- 
reign ports in 1824, aniounted only to ^7,143,531 ; namely. 



398 

Kice, - 81,114,297 

Cotton, 5,605,948 

Other domestic articles, - - . - 208,570 
Foreign, do. - - - - - 215,016 

S7, 143,831.* 

Though there are no very exact means of ascertaining 
the amount of exports to the ports of the United States, 
(the constitution preventing Congress compelling vessels 
to clear or enter,) yet from data ascertained we may safely 
estimate the amount to be not less than 8,500,000 dollars, 
which added to the above amount, gives a total of fifteen 
millions six hundred and forty-three thousand eight hun- 
dred and thirty-one dollars, for the value of our exports. 
There is no other city in the union that can exhibit such 
an amount of domestic exports, deducting what such city 
receives from extraneous sources. 

The value of imports, from foreign ports, for 1824, was 
only 2,030,9} 6 dollars. This amount shows what an im- 
mense quantity of manufactured goods is brought to this 
port from the northern states, and how extensive our car- 
rying trade is to these states. 

The amount of tonnage which cleared for foreign ports 
from Charleston, the same year, was. 

In vessels of the United States, - Tons 67,914 
Do. Foreign, - - do. iS,211 

Total 88,125 

The amount of duties collected during the same period 
was 736,020 dollars.! 

* Theexports from Oct. 1st, 1824, to Dec. 31, 1825, amounted to 
gl2,309.377, impirts to g2 ,386,320. 

f Under the head of Commerce of the State, a more detailed view 
of this subject will be found, accompanied with an argument toestab- 
Ush the just claims which this city has upon the particular .attention 
of the general govern ment. It is hoped our representatives in con- 



399 

The harbor of Charleston is formed by the waters of 
Cooper (or Wando) and Ashley rivers, which form a junc- 
tion just below the city. They run parallel with each 
other for six miles, and are nearer together at this distance 
than at any other, so that a complete peninsula is formed 
of the site. 

The width of the inner harbor, at its mouth, is little 
over a mile, and is defended by Fort Moultrie on Sulli- 
van's Island, Fort Johnson on James' Island, and Castle 
Pinckney, directly in front of the city, and distant one 
mile. The outer harbor, lying within the bar, extends 
about six mihjs, namely, from Sullivan's Island to the south 
channel below the light house. The bar is formed by 
an accumulation of sand banks, which from time to time 
have been deposited by storms, but which are kept from 
forming a continuous bank by the operation of the tides 
and land-wash during heavy rains. These sand bars 
stretch along the whole coast, and form greater or less ob- 
structions to the entrance of large vessels, according to 
local circumstances. The reaction of the gulf stream, 
produces a constant current from N. E. to S. W. along 
the coast. The position of the coast, south of the entrance 
of the harbor, gives a favorable direction to this current, 
(sweeping it out to sea again,) which aids the free dis- 
charge of the ebb tides, and by this means keeps the chan- 
nels, across the bars, open. The superior depth of the 
south channel is an evidence of this fact. This circum- 
stance adapts this harbor for the introduction of a very im- 
portant improvement, which would not only establish upon 
a permanent footing, a deep channel, suited to the entrance 
of the largest ships, but secure the city, and Sullivan's Island 
from the inroads of the sea, during the prevalence of hea- 
vy storms.* 

gr^Ss will urge their consideration upon that respectable and impar- 
tial tribunal of our rights. 
=* The author of this work Bubmitted a plan to the legislature of 



400 

There are, properly speaking, three channels of entrance 
into Charleston harbor ; the ship channel, leading up to the 
light-house, which has 16 feet water at ebb tide; the 
overall (now middle or direct channel) having 12 to 14 
feet, and Lawford's channel, (south of the light-house,) 9 
feet water. There are two other channels which are not 
now however used, except by coasters, namely, the north 
or Sullivan's Island channel, having but three or four feet 
water, and the middle channel, (formerly so called,) which 
has 7 feet water at low tide. 

The ship channel, is distant Hi miles from the city. 
The middle, or direct, ?§ miles. This last is proposed to 
be made the permanent channel of entrance, and when 
©nee improved, upon an efficient plan, will enable vessels 
at all times to enter and depart the harbor, let the wind 
blow in what direction it may. 

The middle channel has improved within a few years 
considerably. At no distant period, the depth of water 
here did not exceed S feet ; now it is, at least, from 12 
to 14 feet. The cause of this change is owing evidently 
to the closing of the north channel, which has thrown a 
larger body of water into the middle channel. Inconse- 
quence of this change in the direction of the tides, their 
operation has become weakened in the line of the ship 
channel, especially during the time of ebb. The result 
of which has been (and will continue to be) the alteration 

this state, with a view to this object, and they appointed a committee 
of examination and correspondence with the general government, in 
relation to the establishment of a naval depot at Charleston; the 
plans were laid before the Secretary of War and the heads of the 
engineer department. 

Our Senators and Representatives in Congress, for the two last 
years have called the attention of Congress to this important subject, 
and that body directed an examination of this harbour to be made, 
which has since been done. It is hoped that this business will jbe 
earnestly pursued, so that our city may obtam some advantages of 
9. national character, to which it is so highly entitled. 



401 

of this last channel, until finally it will become closed, 
and one of the two remaining channels (either Lawford^s 
or the middle channel) will deepen, and constitute the ship 
or main channel. The prospects at present are in favor of 
the middle entrance, and we should endeavour to aid na- 
ture by a work of art, in making this secure and perma- 
nent. The bar across the mouth of this channel is very 
narrow, and both inside and outside of it the waters im- 
mediately deepen. The width of the entrance through this 
channel (in the narrowest place) is now half a mile, which 
soon widens into a spacious bay. From a series of sound- 
ings made here not long since by a committee of gentle- 
men, the depth of water, at low tide, averaged from 12 to 
14 feet. The rise of common tides is about 6 feet, conse- 
quently this channel, even now, possesses superior advan- 
tages over every other channel of entrance into the har- 
bor. 

The natural soundings of the coast, immediately at the 
mouth of the harbor, average between 24 and 30 feet= 
The first brings you alongside of the range of sand barSy 
which form the line of demarkation of the harbor. 

On entering the middle channel you look free of any 
mterruption directly into the inner harbor, and command 
a complete view of the city. The church steeple bears 
from this point about N. 63 W. 

The present ship channel is very circuitous, and occa- 
sions considerable delay, sometimes even of weeks, in ves-' 
sels going out, when the wind is from a particular point ; 
you may have a fair wind one part of the distance, but it 
becomes a head wind in the other. The figure described 
by vessels using this channel corresponds with the letter N» 

The light-house which fronts the ship channel is a lofty 

* The importance of this subject to the interests of our city has in- 
duced the author to dwell longer on it than he at first intended. H© 
hopes it will prove acceptable to his readers. 



402 

brick tower, crowned with a lanthorn, opened by glazed 
Sftshes all round, and containing a revolving light. At the 
distance of 8 or 9 leagues, the time of darkness to that of 
light is as two of the former to one of the latter. As you 
approach it, the time of darkness decreases and that of light 
increases, until you get within three leagues, when the 
light will not wholly disappear ; the greatest strength of 
light being as one to forty-four to the least. 

From a trigonometrical admeasurement, the distance of 
the light-house from St. Michael's church steeple in the 
city, in a straight line,is about 6 miles and 7 chains; from 
the church to Fort Moultrie is 4 miles and 14 chains ; to 
Castle Pinckney 1 mile and 13 chains ; to Fort Johnson 
a little under two and a half miles; from Fort Moultrie to 
Cominis point, 1 mile and 30 chains ; from Fort Moultrie 
to Fort Johnson 2 miles and 7 chains ; from Castle Pinck- 
ney to Fort Johnson 1 mile and 50 chains. 

The streets of Charleston are regularly laid out, mostly in 
parallel lines, and intersected by others nearly at right 
angles. The site on which the city is built is elevated on 
an average about eight or ten feet above high tide, and is 
remarkably dry, considering its original state, being inter- 
sected by many marsh}/^ ravines. Subterraneous drains have 
been constructed for carrying off the waters emptying into 
Cooper and Ashley rivers. Nearly the whole of East Bay, 
which runs parallel with Cooper river, is handsomely paved 
with stone ; also the lower parts of Broad, Tradd, and Queen 
streets, and the whole of Market, State, Elliott, &c. Little 
doubt exists but that in a few years all the streets in the 
lower or mercantile part of the city will be thus improved ; 
the stone is furnished at a cost much below what was anti- 
cipated at first, as it is often brought in vessels from the 
north, and even from Europe, as ballast. 

The side walks are well paved with brick, and many of 
them ornamented with the melia azedaracha, or pride ©f 
India, The number of these beautiful trees scattered in 



408 

every part of the city, gives it an interesting appeat?- 
ance, especially if they af-e in full verdure. If a bir^l's eye 
view be taken from the balcony of the church steeple, the 
prospect is peculiarly beautiful. To the east stretches the 
wide expanse of waters constitutins; the liarbor, inclosed anct 
indented with islands. Beyond, and far as the eye can 
reach, one unbounded ocean terminates the horizon, con- 
tinually spotted and whitened by the sail of commerceo 
Fort Moultrie, Fort Johnson, the light-house, and Castle 
Pinckney, are conspicuous objects, and add much interest 
and variety to the scene. 

To the south, James Island ranges the whole extent of 
the harbor, clothed with forest trees which are in perpetual 
verdure, and skirted in front with several handsome country 
seats. To the west flows tlie Ashley river, on the opposite 
side of which is descried that interesting spot where out 
forefathers first effected a settlement, and laid out a town. 

To the north and west the eye overlooks the suburbs and 
the military lines, thrown up during the last war ; beyond, 
the country opens' in gardens, and behind all a forest of 
trees closas the landscape. The eye, in returning, is at- 
tracted by a number of striking objects which fill the in- 
termediate space, made up of domes, and spires, porticoes^ 
and garderis. 

The Cooper or Wando river, with its fine expanse of 
waters, opens an extensive view to the northeast, studded 
with several islands. The tout ensemble of this scene is 
not to be excelled any where, if every thing is taken into 
consideration— the perpetual verdure of the forests skirting 
the horizon ; the noble expanse of waters, almost isolating 
the city, (in one direction interminable to the view,) and 
the continual glitter and activity ol commerce displayed by 
a thousand objects in the harbor. 

Upwards of half the houses in the city are built of brick^ 
mostly covered with tile or slate, with which also some ef 

C c 3 



404 

the wooden houses are covered, as a sreciiTi-ty against fire. 
Some good specimens of architecture are to be seen in 
Charleston. St. Philip's church (built of brick and stuccoed 
to resemble stone)exhibits more of design in its arrangement 
than any other of our ancient buildings erected here. The 
site is a little above Queen-street, and looking directly down 
Church- street. The general outline of the plan presents 
the form of a cross, the foot of which, constituting the nave^ 
is seventy-four feet long and sixty-two feet wide. The 
arms form the vestibule, tower, and porticoes at each end, 
pr'-jecting twelve feet beyond the sides, and surmounted by 
a pediment. The head of the cross is a portico of four 
massy square pillars, (intercolumniated with arches,) sur- 
mounted with their regular entablature and crowned with 
a pediment. Over this portico, and behind it, rise two 
sections of an octagon tower, (the lower containing the 
bell, the upper the clock) crowned with a dome, and 
quadrangular lanthorn and vane. The height of this tower 
entire, with its basement, is 113 feet. The sides of this 
edifice are ornamented with a series of pilasters of the same 
order with the portico columns, (which are Tuscan,) each 
of the spaces pierced with a single lofty aperture as a win- 
dow. The roof is partially hid by a balustrade which 
runs round it. 

The interior of this church iir its whole length, presents 
an elevation of a lofty double arcade supporting upon an en- 
tablature a vaulted ceiling in the middle. The piers are or- 
namented with fluted Corinthian pilasters rising to the top 
of the arches, the key stones of these arches are sculptured 
with cherubim in reiief; over the centre arch, on the 
south side, are some figures in heraldic form, representing 
the infant colony imploring the protection of the king. 
Beneath the figures is this inscription: — Propius res aspics 
uostras'. (which has been adopted as the motto of the seal 
of the church ) Over the middle arch, on the north side, is 
this inscription : Deus inihi SoL with armorial biearingi?. 



405 

The pillars are now ornamented on their face with beauti- 
ful pieces of monumental sculpture, someof tliem with bass- 
relief, and some with full figures finely executed by the first 
artists in England and this country. 

At the end of the nave is the chancel, (within the body 
however of the church,) and at the west end is the organ,, 
which is an ancient piece of furniture imported from Eng" 
land, and which had been used at the coronation of George 
the secondo 

The galleiies were added some time subsequent to the 
building of the church. It is to be regretted that the stee- 
ple of this venerable edifice was not furnished with its sph'Cj 
as was evidently at first intended ; and that the interior 
grandeur of its massy arcades has been disturbed by the in- 
troduction of galleries, which never constituted a part of 
the original design. 

The effect produced upon the mind in viewing this edi- 
fice is that of solemnity and awe, from its massy character : 
when you enter under its roof, the lofty arches, porticoesy 
arcades, and pillars which support it, cast a sombre shade 
over the whole interior, and induce the mind to serious con- 
templation, and religious reverence. In every direction the 
monuments of departed worth and excellence gleam upon 
the sight; every object tends to point to the final state of all 
mundane grandeur ; and impels the mind to look beyond the 
tomb for that permanency of being and happiness, which 
in the natural constitution of things cannot exist here. 

It would carry us far beyond the limits of this work 
were we to notice every interesting object connected with 
this venerable edifice. St. Philip's church is the most an- 
cient of those now standing here. It was founded in 1711. 
Divine service was performed in it in 1723. The main body 
of the church was founded in 1728, and the steeple in 1733. 

St. Michael's church was opened for divine worship Feb- 
ruary 1, 1761. It has a most commanding and .beautiful 
spirje, which towers above every other object in the city; 



406 

4nd can be observed many miles at sea. The extreme 
elevation of this majestic conical tower is 16S feet, rising 
first from a square base 30 feet above the top of the ceiling 
of the nave : above this it is octangular, and divided into 
several sections, diminishing by seiofFs as they rise, until 
the tower reaches the hia;hesl eaves of its roof, where it is 
terminated by a spire in the form of a fluted pyramid, 
crowned with a colossal gilded ball. The different sections 
of this tower are ornamented with columns, pilasters, gal- 
leries, and the necessary apertures to light the interior, so 
that the whole produces a very handsome effect. 

This steeple is one of the greatest ornaments to the city, 
and adds much to the interest excited on approaching it, 
from any direction, particularly from the sea. The first 
section of the octagonal part of the tower contains a chime 
or ring of eight bells. The second section includes the 
clock, and is ornamented with dial plates on the four cardi- 
nal sides; over this is a balustraded gallery, from which an 
extensive and beautiful prospect of the city, harbor, and ad- 
jacent country is had. 

The extreme length of the body of this church is ISO 
feet, and width 60 feet. The nave is 74 feet long, the 
chancel 10 feet, and vestibule, or stair case and tower, 
inside, 22 feet. 

The facade presents a handsome Roman Doric portico pf 
four columns, surmounted by a pediment standing in relief 
of the wall> sixteen feet. The flanks present a double 
series of arched windows, divided by pilasters, rising up 
with their entablature to the eaves of the roof: the whole 
buihiing is constructed of brick, and the walls stuccoed in 
imitation of stone. 

The interior of this church does not equal in effect that of 
St. Philip's, yet there is an evident appearance of design in 
the arrangement of the whole, that arrests the attention, and 
produces a feeling of sublimity and reverence on entering- 
it. Here, as in St. Philip's, the galleries are an innovation. 



407 

and disturb the harmony of the oriti;inal design. The 
chancel at the east end is handsomely ornamented with 
four Corinthian pilasters with their entablature, and the 
usual tables in their interstices. A very excellent organ 
forms the chief decoration of the west end. 

The interior walls of this church are also graced with mo- 
numental tablets inscribed to departed excellence. 

The exchange (now the custom-house and post-office) is 
another venerable building, which proves that the hand of 
science was engaged in its design. Though its style of ar- 
chitecture is not what we desire to see imitated, it is 
yet a fine building, and shows in its construction how faith- 
fully public work was executed in " the olden times." 

The plan presents a square, opened all round in the prin- 
cipal or first story with an arcade, forming a spacious, airy 
walk, or 'change within for the merchants. The second 
story is divided into apartments for the various offices con- 
nected with the customs.* 

The main entrance now fronts Broad-street ; its principal 
facade was originally to the cast, or the harbor. Formerly 
the angles of the west front projected out several feet into the 
street beyond the main walls, throwing the arcade on this 
front in recess; but these projections were found to obstruct 
materially the way of carriages, &c. , passing along East 
Bay-street ; they were therefore removed, and the front 
brought to almost a plane surface. 

The upper story walls are ornamented all round exter- 
nally with pilasters and columns, supporting an entablature; 
over which runs an open balustrade. 

Though this building is constructed of brick, and stuc- 
coed, yet, without a close inspection, you would take it for 
a stone structure. It forms a handsome termination of 

* This building was celebrated in the Revolutionary war, as being 
the ''provost'' of the British commandant; its cellars were made use 
of for the prison. Its walls are consecrated from having once enclosed 
those noble spirits that dared to be independent. 



408 

Broad-street. In the basement story the stor-erooms 0/ 
the custom-house are kept. Part of the first story is occu- 
pied by tlie post-office establishment, having still a spacious 
promenade"; on the second floor are the custom-house 
oflices. * 

The court-house (formerly the state house) is another of 
those substantial and well arranged buildings which do 
credit to the art. 

The principal front is on Broad-street, and presents a cen- 
tral projection, formed by a screiii of columns raised on a 
rustic arcade, the whole rising the entire height of the 
building, which comprises two lofty stories and an attic. 
The length of the building is 120 feet, and the width sixty. 
Like the other buildings already described it is of brick, 
and faced to imitate stone. The first story is occupied by 
the county courts the clerk of the court, and sheriflf's offices. 
A large hall and <2;rand st:.sircase intervene between the two. 
The second floor is used by the court of equity and the fede- 
ral court. The space over the hall is divided into offices for 
the register of the mesne conveyance, and clerk of the 
courts. The third floor contains the jury rooms and the 
Charleston library. 

We might, if our limits admitted, point out many private 
houses in several parts of the city, which come under the 
same venerable character in point of design and execution 
■with the above ; but we must forbear. 

The old bank of the United States, now the city-hall, is 
an expensive building, and in design adapted to any other 
purpose than that for which it was built. Its facade is 
showy, but, like the city -hall in New-York, exhibits a 
crude taste in architecture, only meritorious as a work of 
art unaided by science. 

But though this building is repugnant to good taste, and 

* This edifice belongs now to the United States; the building call- 
ed the city-hall was given in exchange for it by the government. 



409 

oflensive to the critical eye, it is yet an ornament to the 
city, and will probably, at some future day, be so improved 
as to be brought within the pale of good taste, of which it 
is in some degree capable. 

The facade of the city-hall is on Broad-street, and pre- 
sents a double order of pilasters and columns, dividing off 
the whole front ; each order carrying its own entablature. 
The first (the Roman Ionic) is raised on a high marble 
basement, and ornaments the principal story. The second 
order (the composite) decorates the second story, and rises 
to the eaves of the roof. The intercolumniations of these 
pilasters are pierced with apertures as windows, which de- 
scend to the floor. This series of windows goes rouud the 
whole building: those in the rear below, however, do not 
descend to the floor, though they do above. 

All the pilasters, columns, architraves, rustics, bands, 
and main cornices (which are richly worked and encircle the 
building) are of white marble. The double flight of circular 
steps in front, leading to the principal floor, are composed of 
this material also. 

Entering the building you come immediately into a spa- 
cious and lofty hall, reaching the whole height of the two sto- 
ries,and extending the entire front of the building; surround- 
ed on a level with the second floor by a narrow gallery. The 
floor of this hall is paved with marble flags. Here the city^ 
or recorder's court, is held. On the other side of the hall at 
each end, a door leads into the city treasurer's, tax collect- 
or's, city sherifl"'?, and city clerk's offices. 

Between these rooms a large Venetian door leads into 
the grand staircase, which, ascending, lands you on the se= 
eond floor ; the right hand door here conducts into the 
council chamber,the left into the city commissioner's room; 
and the one in front into the gallery surrounding the great 
hall. Every part of the finish of the interior of this build- 
ing/corresponds with that of the exterior. The whole is 
executed in the best manner. 



410 

This buildiag stands upon the southwest angle of the 
.■square apjiropriated by the city for a park, enclosed 
with an iron railing, laid out in wilks, and planted with 
trees. In the centre of this fine prornenadc it has been 
proposed to erect a monument to the immortal Washing- 
ton. 

To the northwest angle of the square, the building f jr 
the fire proof or state-offici^s for the public records is erect- 
ed. This edifice (now finishing) in its form is a complete 
co)itrast to the one just described. 

It is designed in the simple Greek Doric style, without 
any ornament, except that afforded by the porticoes which 
face each front. These porticoes are each composea of 
four massy columns three and a half feet diameter, raised oii 
an arcade ; the columns rise the whole height of the build- 
ing (comprising two stories) surmounted by their entabla- 
ture, and crowned with a pediment, which extending entire- 
ly across the building, meet together in the middle ; the 
remaining part of the building, on each side, constitutes 
wings to the centre, falling below the apex of the pedi- 
ment; the front of these offices is sixty-six feel, and breadth 
fifty-six feet, besides the porticoes, which project about 
twelve, and extend in front thirty-three feet each. They 
are communicated with from the street by a double flight 
of stone steps at both ends. The basement, porticoes, cor- 
nice, &c. are of stone. The walls are of brick, stuccoed in. 
imitation of the same. 

The rooms for offices are vaulted with brick, and the 
roof covered with copper, so as to render the builditig se- 
cure from fire. As a further guard the sashes and frames 
are all of iron with the shutters. 

Each front presents two doors of entrance which lead in- 
to corridors communicating with the several offices. The 
number of distinct apartments in the several stories in- 
cludes twenty-four, besides the staircase and passageSo 



411 

The interior stair-steps are of stone/risingirom the base- 
ment story to the third floor, and lisrhted by a skylio-ht. 

The officers to be accommodated in this building are the 
secretary of state, treasurer, comptroller general,ordinarv. 
tax collector, register of mesne conveyance, master ia 
equity, commissioner in equity, attorney general, surveyor 
general. &:c. 

The baptist church exhibits the best specimen of cor- 
rect taste in architecture of the modern buildings in this 
city. It is purely Greek in its style, sim.ply grand in its pro- 
portions, and beautiful in its detail. The plan is of the tem- 
ple form, divided into four parts ; the portico, yestibule, 
nave, and vestry rooms. The whole length of the build- 
ing is 110 feet, and breadth 60. 

The facade presents a portico of four massy columns of 
the lightest proportions of the Doric, surmounted by a pedi- 
ment. Behind this portico (on the main walls) rises an 
attic story squared up to the height of the roof, and crovrned 
by a cupola or belfry. The side walls of the building are 
opened by the requi?ite apertures for windows and doors, 
and a full cornice runs round the whole. 

You enter the vestibule by three doors, on each side of 
which the gallery stairs ascend ; by three opposite doors 
you pass into the aisles, dividing the pews into blocks; at 
the extreme end of the nave of the church are the baptis- 
mal font and pulpit, lighted by a large vaulted window. 

Around three sides of the nave a double colonnade ex- 
tends, rises up to the roof, and supports the gcalleries. The 
lower order of the columns is Doric, the upper Ionic ; 
each mth their regular entablatures : the whole finished 
in a rich chaste style, and producing, from the unity of the 
design, a very pleasing effect. Tliis building is situated on 
Church, below Tradd, street. 

The next specimen of the Greek style, is the facade of the 
academy of f:ne arts. 

D D 2 



412 

The appearance of this edifice is upon the whole agreea- 
ble^ and exhibits the hand of the artist : passing through 
the portico you enter a vestibule, on each side of which are 
two rooms for statues, &c. In front a large opening leads 
you into the exhibition room, where a rich feast in the 
painting department of the fine arts meets the eye. The 
room, in its plan, is a perfect square, lighted from the top. 

This institution was founded five years since by the 
exertions of a few gentlemen. Its first President was the 
Hon. Joel R. Poinsett, at present minister from the United 
States to Mexico. It is now in a flourishing state, and 
promises great usefulness in developing genius, encouraging 
talent, and establishing a good taste in the arts. 

The first annual exhibition took place in 1820, and though 
a displayed not many native works, it brought to the view 
©f the public many chef d'ouvres of several old and eminent 
masters, which previously were scattered about in private 
houses. This exhibition gave promise of future exhibitions^ 
which have not disappointed the amateur. 

St. Andrew'^s Hall presents a neat modern front, in good 
style. The interior is well arranged, with a large handsome 
room on the second story, much in use on public occasionSo 

The First Presbyterian, or Scot's church, exhibits a neat 
front, composed of a recessed portico of four columns, 
flanked by two towers, surmounted by cupolas or belfriesj 
the whole producing a good efiect. The plan is a parallelo- 
gram, 120 feet long, by 70 feet wide. Theorder of building 
externally is Roman Doric. The sides are spaced off with pi- 
lasters, which divide a double row of arched windows. The 
building represents a stone structure, the walls being stucco- 
ed. The towers on each sideof the portico contain the stairs 
leading to the galleries; from ihe portico you enter the nave 
of the church, which rises to a lofty height, circumscribed 
on three sides by a colonnade carrying the galleries. 

The pulpit stands at the further end of the nave, and is 
richly ornamented. Against the walls inside, are placed 



413 

some decorated marble tablets, with monumental seulpturej 
which add much to the interest of the room. This church 
is erected on the southwest corner of Meeting and Tradd- 
streets. 

The Second Presbyterian church is more of the temple 
form, and produces a fine effect with its lofty portico. 

The dimensions of this building are 125 by 70 feet, and 
40 feet high, to the eaves. It is built on one of the most 
elevated sites in the city, entirely isolated, and fronting a 
public square, opposite to the old tobacco inspection, now the 
citadel square, on Meeting street, which adds much to its 
effect. 

The portico fronts the west, and is composed of six cO' 
lumns of the Rom.m Doric order ; behind rises a tower, 
intended as the foundation of a future steeple. The interior 
of the church is surrounded on three sides with a double 
colonnade of the Roman Doric and Ionic, which support gal- 
leries. The pulpit is richly ornamented. 

The Third Presbyterian church is also of the temple form, 
in the plan, screened by a portico of four columns in front ^ 
the late addition made to this portico (which cuts the height 
of the columns in two) has much injured the agreeable ap- 
pearance of its facade. The size of this building, on the 
plan, is 100 by 60 feet. 

The German Lutheran church, with its lofty portico^ 
produces a good effect. 

This building fronts the west on Archdale-street, corner 
of Clifford-street. The portico is supported by four columns 
of modern Doric proportions, rising the whole height of the 
walls, and surmounted by a pediment. The sides of the 
building are ornamented with a series of pilasters, dividing 
a double row of vaulted windows : the whole stuccoed, to 
imitate stone work. 

Behind the portico rises the tower, which constitutes part 
of the contemplated steeple. The lower story of this tower 
constitutes the vestibule ; on each side of which are the stair 
cases to the galleries. The interior of the building present^ 



414 

a single colonnade, extending round three sides of the 
nave, and supporting the galleries. In the western end of 
the gallery is a large and splendid organ, of the finest tune, 
built by Mr. Hall of New York. 

The Circular, properly the Congregational church, is 
a rotunda of near 90 feet diameter, surmounted with a 
dome, crowned by a lanthorn light From that part of the 
rotunda which faces the west, a square projection runs out, 
supporting a tower; before this rises a portico of six columns 
surmounted by a pediment which forms the facade of the 
building. 

A double arcade is carried all round the circumscribing . 
walls, the openings of which constitute the windows. The 
modern Doric style pervades the design of this building, 
which is to be regretted, particularly in reference to its 
great portico ; had the Greek proportions been adopted, (as 
was recommended by the architect,) the effect of the whole 
building would have been mvich more interesting. It is, 
however, not yet too late to remedy this defect 

A light gallery sweeps nearly a complete circle round 
the room, and presents the appearance of a great settee : 
the columns supporting it being of a character suited to 
convey an idea of fhis kind. 

In the original design of this !)uilding a steeple was con- 
templated, which has not yet been erectt'd : the tower part 
is, however, built, and it is huped that the period is not 
far distant when not only this, but the steeples and spires 
projected by all the several churches, will be erected, as 
these tend much to add to the beauty of our city, which, 
from its natural posilion, is yet deficient in prominent 
objects. 

The Circular church fronts on Meeting-street, directly 
west of St. Philip's church, the graveyards joining each other. 

We have not noticed the depositories of mortality be- 
longing to the several churches named ; but they are inte- 
resting to examine, both on account of the many affectionate 



415 

testimonies of the living to the dead, inscribed there, and 
the number of beautiful monuments, tombs, and sepulchres 
erected there. 

The Unitarian church is a plain neat building, imme- 
diately adjoining the German Lutheran church. Its front 
is on Archdale-street. It has a projecting tower, rising in 
front above the roof, prepared to receive a steeple or spire. 
The interior presents an agreeable appearance, surrounded 
with galleries on three sides ; the pulpit stands to the east, 
and at the west end is a very handsome and fine toned organ.* 

St. Paul's church is a fine looking building, and carries 
something like design about it ; the style of its architecture, 
however, is mixed, which disturbs the critic eye of taste. 
The extreme length of this building is IG-t feet, and its 
breadth 70 feet. The front looks to the west, and presents 
a lofty portico, of four Diric columns, surmounted by its 
pediment. The floor of this portico is elevated several feet 
from th*i ground, to which you ascend by a grand flight of 
steps, which, when finished, will spi-ead the whole extent 
of it, and add much to the beauty of the portico. Against 
the sides of the bujlulsig, pilasters of the same order are 
placed, between which are two rows of lofty arched win- 
dows. It has a fine toned and handsome orgati, which cost 
^2600. The pulpit and reading desk stand in the middle 

* From the number of fine toned instruments of this description, 
erected by native artists in various places, namelj^, in St. Paul's 
church, the Roman CathoHc cathedral, Unitarian, and St. Peter's 
church, Bahimore; besides several in Philadelphia and New- York, 
(all of which are much admired,) an inference maj' be drawn, that this 
country is capable of furnishing as good mstrumentsofthis description 
as any part of Europe. This noble instrument, so peculiarly adapted 
to sacred music, will, it is anticipated, ere long be universally intro- 
duced into all our churches. Instrumental music, at all periods and 
in all countries, has constituted a delightful part in the outward wor- 
ship of the Deity, and next \o the melody of the human voice, it con- 
tril^tee much to sooth the mind into devotion, and draw the soul 
frbai earth to heaven, 



416 

aisle. The chancel is richly painted, and ornamented with 
Corinthian pilasters, having; gilt capitals. It contains the 
usual tables, on either side of a large window. The bap- 
tismal font stands in the chancel, of white Italian marble. 
The galleries are supported by fourteen small Doric columns 
and the roof by twelve. 

A small neat chapel, dedicated to St. Stephen, has been 
built by the Episcopalians, in Guignarfl-street, for the use of 
those who are not able to pay pew rent in the regular places 
of worship. 

The Roman Catholic church, founded in I7i^2, is a neat 
and respectable looking building, with a portico in front, of 
four Tuscan columns. The building is 60 feet by 40 feet, 
and is neatly finished inside ; the altar is richly decorated. 
The principal front is on Hazel-street, between Meeting- 
and King streets. 

A few years ago some measures were taken to found a 
cathedral church, in this city, by the Catholics. A very 
handsome lot (formerly the Vauxhall garden, on Broad- 
street, above King-street) was purchased for this purpose : 
a temporary building, (called the cathedral,) has been erect- 
ed in the rear of this lot, dedicated to St, Finbar. An aca- 
demy is attached to it, of which the bishop has the oversight. 

The Hebrew synagogue is situate in Hazel-street, op- 
posite the first mentioned Roman Catholic church, which, 
with the latter building, contribute much to ornament this 
part of the city. It is a remarkably neat building, crowned 
with a cupola ; the grounds about it are enclosed with iron 
railings, and laid out with taste. The interiorof the syna- 
gogue presents one large room, with a gallery at the west 
end, for the women, (the men only occupying the lower 
floor,) at the east end is the ark, containing the writings of 
the laws of Moses ; over the ark are the ten commandments, 
inscribed on two marble tablets ; a lamp continually burns 
before the altar ; in the centre is the reader's desk. This 
building was founded as early as 1759, and is 70 feet in 
length by 40 in breadth 



417 

Another religious association has been formed within the last 
year, (connected with the Hebrew mode of worship,) with the 
view of making such alterations in the forms and ceremonies 
of the Jewish church, as corresponds with the present enlight- 
ened state of the world. This association at present consists 
of about forty-five members; they have adopted a constitution, 
and are incorporated bj the legislature, under the name of the 
"Reformed Society of Israelites." The prayers and cere= 
monies intended to be used in the church, have been already 
drafted, which the society have directed to be published ; after 
which they purpose opening a subscription for the building of 
a temple '* to the one and only God." Every good man of 
every religious denomination, who has real charity in his heart, 
will, it is presumed, contribute to assist in erecting it.* 

* As the establishment of this association may be regarded as open- 
ing a new era in the church, the following brief expose of its religious 
views, may prove acceptable to our readers. 

The society in its outset adopts this fundamental principle, namely, 
That a correct understanding of divine worship is not only essential 
to our own happiness, and a duty we owe to the Almighty Disposer 
of events, but is well calculated at the same time to enlarge the mind, 
and improve the heart- In their creed, which accompanies their 
ritual, they subscribe to nothing of rabbinical interpretation, or rab- 
binical doctrines. They are their own teachers, drawing their know- 
ledge from the Bible, and following only the laws of Moses, and these 
only as far as they can be adapted to the institutions of the society in 
which they live and enjoy the blessings of liberty. They do nothing 
against the laws of Moses, but are necessarily compelled, as good citi- 
zens and sane men, to omit many things only adapted to the former 
independent condition of their ancestors. In short, they have simpli- 
fied the worship of God, and brought the great objects of a pubhc meet- 
ing — piety, morals, and sense — so as to be perfectly comprehensible 
to the understandings of the humblest capacity. 

They have made almost all the prayers, &c. to be said in English, 
a few only in Hebrew ; a discourse on the Pentateuch in Hebrew, a 
discourse on the same in English, psalms selected in English to be 
read and sung, assisted by the organ, &c. 

A discourse was delivered at the anniversary of the society, jliy 
Isafac Harby, Esq., a member, which does honor to his head and heart. 
We hail the day that ushers in the emancipation of the mind from 



418 

The French Protestant church is situate on the northwest 
corner of Church and Queen streets. It is a small neat edi I 
fice, and rough-cast, to imitate stone. This building was twice 
hurnt down. The first was erected early in the eighteenth 
century, and in 1740 it was destroyed by fire, with all the re- 
cords. In 1796 it met a similar fate, and was again rebuilt in 
1799. 

The old Baptist meeting-house, at the lower turn of Church 
street, has been converted into the Mariners' church, where a 
respectable number of mariners every Sabbath assemble to hear 
the gospel preached. Much benefit has resulted from this in- 
stitution, and it is well supported. The building is of brick, 
and roomy; the seats are all free. 

The Methodist church, (called Trinity,) in Hazel, corner of 
Maiden-lane, is the largest and neatest looking building of all 
those belonging to this religious society. It is built of wood. 
They have one in Cumberland, between Church and Meeting- 
streets, one in Boundary corner of Pitt-street, and one in King- 
street, a little below the lines. 

The Quaker society have a small meeting house in King, be- 
tween Broad and Queen streets. 

The orphan-house chapel is a remarkably neat building, 
erected back of the orphan house, and presents a front orna- 
mented with a projecting pediment, supported by columns ris- 
ing to the roof.* This chapel is visited by one of the com- 
missioners of the orphan house every Sabbath morning, and 
one or other of the ministers of the various churches evei^y 
Sabbath afternoon, who preach alternately and deliver an ad- 
dress to the children that statedly attend here. The chapel 
serves also to accommodate the neighbourhood, and is very ge- 
nerally attended. The roora)" galleries at the south end of the 
chapel, are appropriated to the use of the orphan children, the 

prejudice and ignorance, when there shall be but one worship, the 
worship of " the Father in spirit and in truth," — when but one Saviour 
shall be acknowledged and received, who is God over all, and blessed 
for ever. 

* On a tablet in this front appears the following inscription : " To 
the poor the Gospel is preached." 



boys on the right, the girls on the left of the minister, divided 
bj the choir. 

The interesting group of children here presented to the view, 
lie%'er fails to command the immediate attention of the visiter, 
and induce in the benevolent mind the most pleasing associa- 
tions. In the centre and front of this gallery is a large and 
beautiful painting, representing that interesting scene in the 
life of the sublime author of our religion, where he invites little 
children to come nnto him ; the moment of time represented is. 
when he takes them up in his arms, and blesses them. This 
fine painting is a copy from Sir B. West's admirable picture of 
this event, and was executed by the first native artist that 
South Carolina produced, Tliomas Coram, Esq. lie not only 
executed it, but made a free gift of it to the orphan house. On 
each side of this picture are inscribed in letters of gold several 
interesting sayings of the Saviour, relating to children^—*' Suf- 
fer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of 
such is the kingdom of heaven" — " Whosoever shall receive 
one such little child in my name, receiveth me." Behind the 
pulpit; against the wall, is another large and interesting paint- 
ing, representing Christ's agony in the garden of Gethsemane, 
the work of G. S. Cogdale, Esq., and presented by him to this 
institution.* A small organ is attached to the choir of the 
chapel. 

The orphan house to which this chapel is annexed, is a spa- 
cious brick building, raised three stories above the basement 
offices. The length of the house is 180 feet, and breadth 3Q 
feet. 

This valuable institution was founded in 1792, and wpntinto 
operation in 1794. It is well endowed, supported chiefly by 
the corporation of the city, aided by private donations. The 
annual expenses for fuel, diet, clothing, officers' salaries, &;c, 
is S14,003 61. It is under the superintendence and direction 
of twelve commissioners, (annually elected by the city council,) 

* This gentleman, by his will, bequeathed the whole of his property 
to this institution, on the death of his widow, (lately deceased,) which 
prppei;ty i^ now added to its fund. 

E E 2 



420 

who are assisted in the female depnrtment by several ladies. 
Fr'.m 180 10 200 destitute orphans and chdtiren of indigent 
parents, are here educated and supported. Provision for seve- 
ral years has been made by the legislature for educating at the 
South Carolina college, at the expense of the state, such boys 
brought up in this institution as manifest extraordinary talents. 

The buil'Iing is erectid on a high, healthy spot, on the north 
side of Boundary-street, west of King-street. Its salubrity is 
evinced bv the few deaths that occur among so many children. 
In twenty-six years there have been only thirty three deaths. 
In the middle of the court, fronting this building, is erected 
the statue of lord Chatham, (the friend of this country.) This 
statue once stood at the intersection of Meeting and Broad 
streets, but occasioning many acei«!ents, it was taken down. 
Previous to its being placed where it now is, it got considera- 
bly n^.jured. This statue ought to he repaired — the great man 
it represents is worthy the grateful remembrance of Americans. 

The public prison is situated on Magazine-street, corner of 
Back-street. Et is a large three story brick builuing, with very 
roomy and comfortable accommodations for those whuse unfor- 
tunate lot it is to be there confined. There has been lately 
adiied to it a four story wing building, devoted exclusively to 
the confinement of criminals. It is divided into solitary cells, 
one for each criminal, and the whole made fire-proof. A spa- 
cious court is attached to the prison, and every attention to 
cleanliness is paid throughout, which is highly creditable to 
those who have the charge of the institution. Very general 
good health is enjoyed by the prisoners. 

The work house, adjoining tlie jail, is appropriated entirely 
to the cotiiinetvient and punishment of slaves. These were 
formerly compelled only occasionally to work; no means then 
existing of employing them regularly and effectually. The last 
year the city council ordered the erection of a tread-mill ; this 
has proved a valuable appendage to the prison, and will proba-? 
bly supersede every other species of punishment there. Such 
a mode of correction has been long a desideratum with many 
of our citizens, who heretofore have been often induced to pass 
over faults in their slaves dementing correction^ rather thjin 



421 

resort to coercive measures with them, who now will, witho^^t 
doing violence to their feelings, be able to break their idle 
habits, and subject them toa discipliiie that promises, morally, 
as well as physically, to be beneficial to them. 

The state arsenal is situated opposite to the court-house, and 
back of the guard-house. This arsenal is well supplied with 
firearms, and contains a fine train of artillery, &c. The build- 
ings are convenient and extensive, with a court in front, lead- 
ing out into Broad and Meeting streets* 

The guard-house is a three story building, (in the upper part 
of which, at present, the state offices are kept.) with strong 
cells, constructed on the fiisi floor for the temporary confine- 
ment of night depredators, &c., and barracks to accommodate 
the city guard. 

The state is now erecting powder magazines upon a new and 
permanent plan, which enables these buildings to be placed 
with safety much nearer to the built part of the city than they 
have hitherto been ; more accessible to our citizens, and more 
tinder the protection of the Neck guard. 

These magazines are distant about two miles four furlongs 
N. W. of the court-house, situate on an island formed by a 
creek, making up from Cooper river, and navigable at any time 
of the tide to the very spot. The buildings are of brick, rough 
cast, and made fire-proof. The powder magazines are nine ia 
number, all of a circular form, with conical roofs, and disposed 
in three ranges, 130 feet apart. The centre building is the 
largest, and intended exclusively for the public powder. It 
will contain, upon an emergency, four thousand kegs. The 
roof is made bomb-proof. The surrounding buildings are large 
enough to contain each one thousand kegs, though it is never 
intended (except in case of necessity) that more than half this 
quantity should be deposited there at one time. The advan- 
tages of this arrangement will be, that every importer of pow- 

* An extensive citadel, or fortified arsenal and barracks, is now 
erecting at the upper end of the city, on the site of the old tobacco 
inspection, where the principal stand of arms, &c. will be kept. The 
works will be guarded by bastions at the four angles, on which cannon 
willlje mounted— the whole surrounded by a high wall. 



422 

der will have his own magazine, and in case of any accident to 
one the rest will be secure from explosion. A high wall of 
enclosure, or fosse and embankment, will surmount these build- 
ings, and be so arranged as to admit a walk for a sentinel all 
round the premises. Against the outside of the east wall of 
enclosure, a range of barracks is erected, two stories high, ami 
covering the grand gateway leading into the magazine court, 
from that of the officers', where the boat landing is. Close by 
this landing stands the officers' and magazine-keepers' quarters. 
The natural growth of evergreen trees have been preserved 
here, especially along the margin of the flatland, which gives to 
the island a very pleasant appearance. The situation is healthy, 
and from it you have a noble view of the harbor quite out to 
sea, and a beautiful prospect of the city, with which it is easy 
to have a telegraphic intercourse by means of the second pres- 
byterian church tower, &c. to the central guard-house. 

The United States' arsenal is a large handsome brick 
building, situate in the northwestern suburbs of the city, 
near the lines. It is still used as such by the general go- 
Yernment. 

The temporary military lines thrown up the last war, are 
now nearly all demolished ; traces of them, however, are 
yet visible. The Marteilo tower, constructed for a traverse 
cannon, still stands, as also the works at the east extremity 
of the lines, called Fort Washington. 

A very extensive and expensive bridge was constructed 
over the Ashley river several years ago. The length of 
the east causeway, through the marsh, is 13S0 feet, the west 
causeway ISOO feet ; length of the bridge 2187 feet ; total 
length 5367 feet. The supporters of this bridge were of 
wood, driven into the bed of the river, and coppered within 
the space between the fall and rise of the tide, to prevent 
the cockle and other shell fish from destroying the timber. 
This bridge opened an intercourse with the western side of 
Ashley river, and furnished a beautiful and agreeable ride 
for our citizens, over a fine, hard, and smooth road, for a 
considerable distance into the country. The company ex- 



423 

j^ended upwards of ^150,000 on this worlj5 antl were realiz- 
ing an increasing interest from it, when the dreadful storm 
of the 27th August, 1813, swept away the greatest portion 
of this bridge. Nothing now remains but a short section 
of it — a complete wreck. Since that disastrous period no 
attempt has been made to reconstruct the work ; but the 
company have substituted a team-boat, which now plies 
regularly across the river every half hour during the day. 
The loss of this bridge is very severely felt by our citizens, 
and its fate has checked enterprises of a similar kind. The 
chief cause of its destruction, was its want of a suitable in- 
cumbent weight, and the slight manner in which the piles 
or supporters were affixed to the bed of the river.* 

The theatre is a large building, without any architec- 
tural display outwardly, which is rather a remarkable cir- 
cumstance here, as the citizens of Charleston have been 
always patrons of the muse of poetry and song. It is in 
contemplation to add a facade or portico to this edifice, 
which shall distinguish it, and make it an ornament to this 
part of the city. Its position is favorable to produce a fine 
effect, looking down Broad-street, and being almost isolated^ 
with a street running on each side of it. 

The interior of this building presents a great contrast to 
the present exterior. It is arranged with taste, and richly 
decorated ; the tout ensemble produces a handsome effect. 

Another public place of amusement is the circus, at tho 
corner of Queen and Friend streets, capable of accommoda- 
ting 1,000 or 1200 personso 

* The Charleston bridge was commenced in February, 1810, and 
made passable July 2d. It comprises ninety-eight sections, thirty- 
three feet wide. The company, after its loss, received a loan of ^ 1 0,000 
from the legislature, with which it purchased a team-boat, which affords 
now almost the same facilities of communication as did the bridge. 
The unfortunate failure of this work seriously injured the interests of 
the enterprising individual who headed the undertaking, William 
Cmfts, Esq. ; but the pubhc have been much benefittet!, 



424 

The market-place does great credit to the city : it is 
spacious, and well arranged, and as ceniral as circum- 
stances and necessary contiguity to the river would ad- 
mit. 

The buildings are divided into six blocks, opened with 
arcades all round, which in some cases are partially filled 
up with the usual stalls. The rools are covered with 
tile. 

The block fronting Market-street, is the beef market ; 
that towards East Bay-street, is fof pork and other small 
meats ; contiguous to the river, (Cooper,) is the fish mar- 
ket : here a dock is constructed to receive the fishing- 
boats, and those freighted with provisions, &c. from the 
country. 

Between the meat markets are two large wooden build- 
ings, containing 142 stalls, for vegetables, fruit, poultry, 
&c., open all round, with a wide covered passage way in 
the centre ; between these, another market-place for pro- 
visions is erected on brick pillars, and covered with tile, 
150 feet in length ; the whole neatly paved with brick, 
and kept very clean. On either side is a street 30 feet 
wide, which extends from East Bay to King's street. 

The vegetables and fish brought to these markets are 
peculiarly fine, and the meat markets have improved so 
much within some years past, that Charleston is now able 
to compete for excellent beef and mutton, with any other 
city in the Union. 

Quantities of West India and Florida fruits are exposed 
for sale daily in this market, and at very reasonable rates, 
it being not unusual for the finest sweet oranges to be sold 
for ^1 per hundred. 

The usual prices of marketing are as follows : 

jFor Beef, per pound, fx'om 6 to 12^ cents. 

Mutton, do. 10 IS do. 

Veal, 12i 18 do. 

Fresh Venison, — • 13* 25 do. 



425 

Chickens per pair, from 30 to 50 cents 
Turkeys, do. — $2 GO 3 GO 
Geese, do. 1 50 2 00 

Fish (generally sold by the string or singly,) at 5 
cents per pound. 

Vegetables are abundant and cheap. 

A work of considerable labor and importance was under- 
taken some years ago in this city, which, after great diffi- 
culty, was completed, and now fully repays the trouble 
and expense bestowed in effecting it, as it forms the most 
agi-eable and beautiful promenade to be found any where. 
This work is now called the battery ; it is situated at the 
south end of East Bay-street^ and presents a high stone 
wall, as a front to the harbor, the extent of which is up- 
wards of 400 yards : the inside is wharfed and filled in, 
so as to form a spacious street the whole distance ; this 
promenade is enclosed by a balustrade or railing on the 
harbor side, as a guard. The view here is peculiarly 
grand and interesting. The sea opens before you, and con- 
stitutes a back iiround to the harbor. Sullivan's Island 
appears lii^e a city, floating upon the bosom of the wide wa- 
ters, and glittering in the sun beams. The forts, islands^, 
and forests of masts on either hand, the vessels in full sail, 
entering and departing the harboi', the numerous sail boats, 
fis dug canoes, and the rich planters' barges, handsomely 
painted and canvassed over, present a picture which can 
rarely be surpassed. 

Sullivan's Island may properly be considered as a part 
of Charleston, as its inhabitants (when the island is inha- 
bitijd) are made up of our citizens. This island forms 
the summer retreat for pleasure and health of all, or any 
in the city that choose to visit it. During the summer 
seas;jn the boats ply constantly between the two places, the 
distance scarcely yxcaeding four miles, 

Oi^Cy and sometimes two steam-boats, tsesides many 



426 

sail-boats or packets, are engaged at that time, which are 
all well supported. The fare never exceeds 25 cents.* 

The village here laid out is called Moultrieville, in 
honor of the gallant defender of the fort, erected there du- 
ring the memorable 2Slh June, 1776, a few days previous 
to the declaration of independence. It contains about 200 
houses, all of wood, and which are occupied sometimes to 
excess during the summer. 

Moultrieville has a handsome appearance, particularly on 
entering the harbor ; the greater part of the houses (for 
more than a mile) front the beach, which extends the 
whole length of the island, a distance of three miles. This 
beach at low water is very firm and wide; affords a delight- 
ful ride or walk, where the delighted visitant may inhale 
the pure and bracing sea-breeze, which wafts health and 
vigor to the system. 

Two churches are erected on this island, the episcopal 
(called Grace church, consecrated in 1S19,) and the pres- 
byterian church, founded in 1S24. 

Here also is a market-place, and several excellent hotels.. 

Moultrieville was incorporated in 1817, and has a regu- 
lar police, under the care of an intendant and five war- 
dens. 

The only alloy to the pleasures attendant on a residence 
on this island, is, the apprehension of the inroads of the 
sea during the autumnal equinox. Should the proposed 
improvement to the harbor, already noticed, ever be carried 
into execution, it will prove a complete protection to 
this island, (as well as to the city,) from an evil of s.o 
alarming a nature. 

* Sullivan's Island derived its name from Capt. O. Sullivan, one 
of the provincial parliament of 1672, (the first popular election in the 
province, on record.) He vi^as appointed May 30th, 1674, to take 
charge of a cannon, directed "to be mounted in some convenient 
place, nea-r the river's mouth, to be fired upon the approach of a 
ship," which caonon was placed on this island. 



427 

A Chamber of Commerce is established in Charleston: it 
was incorporated in December, 1823. 

There are also three insurance offices, under the following 
titles : 

Charleston Fire, Marine and Life Insurance, Union Insu- 
rance, and South Carolina Insurance. 

The Banking Institutions are. 

The Office of Discount and Deposit. South Carolina Bank, 
State Bank, Union Bank, Planters' and Mechanics' Bank, and 
Bank of the State of South Carolina, which last is the State 
Institution. 

It is estimated that there are from 12 to 1500 mechanics 
now in Charleston : of these there are of shipwrights white and 
colored 120 5 black and whitesmiths 130, gunsmiths 15, block 
and pumpmakers 25, boat-builders 16, shipjoiners 10, brass- 
founders and coppersmiths 10, sailmakers 32, riggers 20, 
painters 60, coopers 60, turners 16, tin workers and plumbers 
20, millwrights 16, wheelwrights 34, cabinetmakers 60, house- 
carpenters 200, tanners 40, bakers 60, butchers lOOj^sawmills 
impelled by water and steam 8, ironfounders 2, rope walks 2, 
shipchandlers 6. There are also a number of other tradesmen, 
whose occupation is essential in the community. The wages 
of white workmen is 2 dollars per day. Black, or colored, 1 
dollar, and colored laborers can be hired at 10 or 12 dollars 
per month. The general average of wages is ^1 122 cts. per 
day, and is cheaper than in Boston. 

THE PRICE OF LABOR FOR 



White Ship Carpenters, 


^2 00 per day. 


Do. Blacksmiths, - - - - 


- 1 25 


Do. Block and Pump Makers, 


1 25 


Do. Ship Joiners, - - - - 


- 2 00 


Do. Riggers, .... 


1 50 


Do. Painters. - - - . - 


- 1 00 


Do. Turners, . . . - 


1 00 ' 


Do. Coopers, 


- 1 00 




8) 11 00 


/ Average, 


1 37i 


F F 2 





428 



Negro Carpenters, 
Do. Blacksmiths, 
Do, Blockmakers, 
Do. Joiners, - 
Do. Riggers, 
Do. Painters, 
Do. Turners, 
Do. Coopers, - 



RECAPITULATION. 

Average price of white laborers, ^1 ST~ 

Do. black Do. Ssf 



- 


gl 00 per day. 


- 


75 


. 


871 


. 


75 


- 


1 00 


- 


75 


- 


75 


- 


75 


8) 


6 62| 


Average, 


821 



2) 2 20i 



Average hire of white and black mechanics, $1 10 per day. 

Two or three extensive iron founderies are established 
here, which are now able to execute large orders for castingsi 
good engines have been constructed in them : seven or eight 
steam engine establishments, are now in operation | two for 
pounding rice, two for grinding corn, and four for sawing 
lumber. There are ten steam-boats which ply between this 
city, and the towns of Savannah, Augusta, and Hamburg, on 
the Savannah river. Georgetown and Cheraw on the Pedee, 
and Columbia on the Congaree. Each of these on an average 
ivill carry 600 bales of cotton, and some 1000. 

There is no city in the Union that abounds in so many 
benevolent institutions, in proportion to its population, as 
Charleston, or which are better supported. At the head of 
these stands the South Carolina Society, formed in 1736. 
It originated with a few French refugees, who met once or 
twice every week, contributing each night two bits, or 
four half-pence, for charitable purposes, and thence derived 
the appellation of the ^' two bit club.'' The society is rich. 



429 

and most extensive in its benevolence, Tiie number of its 
members exceeds 200. Independent of seventy^two chil- 
dren, which it has usually educated, (if they are the off- 
spring of dead or decayed members,) there are upwards of 
twenty widows, and some indigent members, who receive 
an annual stipend from the so:iety, paid quarterly in ad- 
vance, which is never less than ^200 per annum.* This 
society erected an extensive building some years ago in Meet- 
ing-street, and has lately added a spacious colonnade to itiu 
front. The building embraces an elegant hall, with rooms 
adjoining, for the meetings of the society, besides accom- 
modations below for schools and the teacher's family. The 
expense of this society for the last year was ^7360. 

The Fellowship Society was formed in 1762, and incor- 
porated in 1709. It was originally intended to cover under 
its sheltering wing the deplorable maniac, and for that pur- 
pose it appropriated one half of its funds, near ^2000. 
With the other moiety it has followed the humane example 
of the South Carolina Society, and bestows a gratuitous 
education on the children of misfortune. Fifty-two chil- 
dren are now annually under a course of plain education on 
its bounty ; besides which, nineteen widows are supported. 
This society intends to improve its system of education, 
upon the plan of the South Carolina Society, 

The St. Andrew's Society, founded in 1729, is the old- 
est society in Charleston. It appropriates a portion of its 
funds in educating children of indigent members. Its cha- 
rities exceed ^1200 annually. 

The German Friendly Society, established in 1766, in- 
corporated in 1791, gives a gratuitous education to several 
children in succession. 

The operations of this society, from a very small begia- 

* This society has lately resolved to establish a male and female 
academy, in which the children of the members will be educated at a 
reduced/price, in the Latin and Greek classics, and in every braneh 
of science connected with an improved English education. 



430 

ning, are now very extensive and beneficial. It has exhi- 
bited one remarkable fact in evidence of the industry and 
good management of the Germans, namely, that for years 
the number of cfiildren of indigent members, educated up- 
on charity, did not exceed four ; at the present time there 
is but one. 

This society now, besi 'es appropriating upwards of S 1000 
annually fur the support of widows and orphans of the in- 
stitution, will, from the state of its funds, be soon able to 
relieve the members from the cost of educating their chil- 
dren. The exercises of the school now consist of the Greek, 
Latin, English, mathematics, algebra, geography, and such 
other branches, as may be necessary to admission in any 
of the colleges of our country. 

The Hibernian Society,* formed in 1801, incorporated 
in lh05. 

St. Patrick's Benevolent Society was instituted in 
1821. 

St. Ge®rge's Society is composed of forty-five members ; 
their charities exceed §400 atmually. 

The French Benevolent Society was formed during the 
late French war, for the relief of their distressed country- 
men, &c. 

The Charleston Marine Society expends, in charitable 
purposes, about S500 annually. 

The Mount Zion Society was incorporated in 1777. 

American Friendly Association. 

The St. David's Society. 

Mechanics' Society, formed in 1794, supports and relieves 
widows and orphans of mechanics. Expenditures $822. 

The New England Society was established in 1819, and 
attends to the relief of poor strangers. 

Thus it is seen how early and zealous the citizens of 

* The late Judge Burke bequeathed by his will to this institution 
the sum of ^10,000, the interest of which he directed to be appropri- 
ated to the relief of distressed emigrants from Ireland. 



431 

Charleston were in their care of the widow, the orphan, and 
distressed, and how equally attentive to the edueation of 
the children of misfortune. 

Charleston has the honor of establishing the first religious 
charitable society in America, " for the relief of the widows 
and orphans of the clergy of the Protectant Epibcopal church 
in South Carolina." 

This laudable institution was founded in 1762, and pos- 
sesses ample funds. Its expenditures now are ^1300 per 
aonum. 

The Congregational church, in 1789, also established a. 
similar institution, which is well endowed— 1000 dollars 
are expended in its benevolence annually.* 

All the societies just mentioned were formed for specific 
objects of benevolence. There are others which embrace 
general objects, and are equally well supported. We shall 
notice first, the institutions established by public authority. 
These are, first. 

The Poor-house, (and asylum for lunatic persons,) situate 
near the cornpr of Queen on Mazyck street ; a spacious 
building, neat in its appearance, and commodious in its in- 
ternal arrangement. It vvas founded at a very early period; 
js built of brick, three stories high, and crowned with a 
large cupola, which serves also to ventilate the house. The 
interior accommodations are ro 'my and airy. Great atten- 
tion is paid t> cleanliness and order. The number of pau- 
pers and out-door pensioners provided for by this institu- 
tion, averages 983 in the year ; of these, twenty are lunatic 

* It would prove a source of great satisfaction to the faithful minis- 
ter of the gospel, who devotes his strength and prime of life in the 
cause of religion, if every religious denomination would establish such 
a fund. Nothing coiuiected with right and justice, belonging to indi- 
viduals, should be left to the caprice of men. Every religious society 
ought to have some permanent fund, which, in case of necessity, 
would suffice to support its minister, especially when by age and in- 
firmity he is placed in a state of helpless dependence. 



- 432 

persons, who are placed in an out-building by themselves. 
It is expected that as 'oon as the Lunatic Asylum in Co- 
lumbia goes into operation, most of these insane persons will 
be removed there. 

The annual expense of supporting these poor amounts to 
near ^17000, which is provided for by the city council.* 
The fund appropriated by the state for the poor here, is 
called the *' transient poor fund," and comprises strangers, 
ornonresidents of the city; it has, for some years, amounted 
to about ' <;,000 dollars annually. 

The Marine Hospital is located in therear of the Medical 
College, where the sick stranger or poor mariner ia taken 
care of. The expeiises of this institution exceed annually 
5,700 dollars. The number admitted 296. 

The Shirras Dispensary is a public institution, and was 
endowed by the liberality <'f the individual from whom it 
derived its name. It is situate at the corner of Meeting 
and Society streets. This gentlenan, a native of Scotland, 
at his death left this handsonie establishment and other funds 
for endowing it. It has been now in operation many years, 
and has contributed to the relief of numbers of poor and 
afflicted persons. 

The private beievolent societies in the city are first, the 
Ladies' Benevolent Society, insiituted in 1813, for the re- 
lief of poor sick females ; this society relieves in the year 
©ver 300 paupers, and expends upwards of $2000. A simi- 

* The following abstract for the last year, has been mad«, relating 
to this establishment, for provisions, clothes* fuel, and other incidental 
expenses : 

Number of city poor - - - - - - 58 

Transient poor, inmates of the institution - - - 390 
Out door city pensioners — 84 adults — 96 children 180 

Transient poor out door, receiving rations — 1 68 adults — 
192 children - - - - - - 355 

Total 983 
Expense $163,78 84. 



433 

lar society was established on Charleston Neck in I824j, 
for similar purposes, called the Female Charitable Soci- 
ety. 

The Society for the Encouraccement of Industry was 
formed in the year lS20j by some ladies, for the relief of 
their own sex by supplying them with work.* 

In addition to the above societies there are several associ- 
ations for relieving distress and furthering religious ob- 
jects, composed entirely of females, whose kind and inde- 
fatigable attentions to the wants of the poor, claim for them 
the highest meed of praise. Their names and objects are as 
follows ; — 

Female Education Association, founded in 1815, de- 
votes its funds entirely to educate poor and pious min- 
isters. 

Female Domestic Mission Society, established in ISIS? 
provides and supports missions in the city, by which 
means the gospel is carried to many that otherwise would 
never enjoy its blessings. 

* Females have always been advoca,tes in the great work of be- 
nevolence. In this enlightened age a generous and noble feeling ex- 
ists towards this amiable part of creation ; opportunities are now 
given them not only of indulging the divine sentiment of charity, but 
entering personally upon the delightful work ; the important truth 
in this branch of religious duty has been developed by them, namely, 
that the only correct and effectual mode of dispensing of aims to the 
poor is grouaded on providing them with work, and enabling them by 
that means, not only to contribute to their own support, but to ac- 
quire habits of industry, which will prove a benefit to society at large. 

This is the foundation, upon which a true and extensive system of 
charity can be alone built, the only way by which pauperism can be 
abolished, with all the evils arising out of a state of idleness. 

The success attendant upon private institutions to effect this end, 
leads us to anticipate like success, from the adoption of a similar 
plan in the great system of public charity, in all parts of the state. 
This subject, so important to the welfare of the community, i« worthy 
of le^slative consideration. 



434 



Female Domestic Episcopal Mission Society, formed in 
1S21, for the same objects with the former, and has been 
extremely useful. 

Ellit)tt Society, (named out of respect to the Rev. Mis- 
sionary of that name,) was instituted to aid Indian Mission- 
aries. It was established in 1819. 

Social Reading and Working Society, originated the 
same year, for the express object of assisting domestic 
missions. 

Female Foreign Mission Society, instituted particularly 
to aid foreign missions. It was established in 1821. 

Union Reading Society, went into operation in 1820, 
with the benevolent object to support one charity theological 
student. 

Chickasaw Society,establlshed in lS21,t®aid Indian mis- 
sions. 

Baptist Female Domestic Mi-^sion Society, instituted in 
1823, devotes its funds in aid of city missions. 

Methodist Female Asscociation, contributes to aid the 
missionary cause. 

Baptist Juvenile Society, formed in 1823, devotes its 
funds to missions and education. 

Congregational Juvenile Society, instituted in 1S21, 
supports three Chickasaw children, who are educated at that 
Indian station. 

Female Auxiliary Jew Society, formed in 1S23, with 
the express view to assist in colonizing the Jews : and last? 
not least, the academy under the direction of the Sisters 
of Charity, in which fifty female children are gratuitously 
educated at an expense of ^850, besides extending relief 
to distressed individuals to the amount of near ^1000. 

The private male societies, for benevolent purposes, 
established here, are as follows : — - 

Methodist Charity, instituted in 1508. Its objects of 
attention are the poor, whom it relieves. 

The Hebrew Society, composed of 40 members. Its 
charities exceed 70© dollars annually. 



435 

Carpenters' Society. Fusileers' and Artillery Societies, 
Shiloh Society, founded in 1825. Its views are connect- 
ed altogether with the plan of colonizing the Jews embracing 
Christianityj and who are abandoned by their brethren. 
The Bible and Tract Societies in Charieston, are 
The Charleston Bible Society, instituted in 1810. 
Female Bible Society, 1816. 

Marine Bible Society, 1818. 

German Lutheran Tract Society, 1S19. 

Religious Tract Society, 1815, 

Unitarian Tract Society, 1821. 

The Missionary Societies are. 
The Cong. Mission Society, instituted 1802, emplo3's 6 missionaries. 
Young Men's Missionary 1819, 3 do. 

Protestant Episcopal, 1809, 4 do. 

Young Men's Episcopal Mission, 1810, 3 do. 

Baptist Mission, 1813, 1 do. 

The Sabbath School establishments in this city, are 
The Sabbath School Union, composed of 8 schools. It 
has under its care, for education, 826 pupils. 

The Protestant Sunday School Society, composed of 3 
schools, and having under tuition 435 pupils. 

After this enumeration of benevolent establishments in 
Charleston, the remark made in the beginning, that this 
city possesses a greater number of charitable institutions, in, 
proportion to its population, than any other in the Union, 
will not be regarded as unfounded in fact ; and truly it is 
cause of humble rejoicing, that there exists such a spirit of 
piety in a spot where so great a field for doing good is 
opened. Charleston is the centre of a vast circle, which 
will be benefitted in proportion to the exertions made in it 
to promote the cause of virtue and truth. 

The Medical Society, for the advancement of the healing 
art, was formed in 1789, and incorporated in 1794. It has 
contributed much to medical science, and the public weal. 
In all eases respecting the medical police of the city, appli- 

/ G G 2 



436 

cation was made to this society for their advice, and it 
always cheerfully gave it, and essentially contributed to 
forni beneficial regulations for preserving the health of the 
inhabitants. 

These institutions emanated from this medical society, of 
great public utility : the Humane Society ; the Charleston 
Dispensary ; and the Botanic Gaiden ; all still in operation, 
except the latter, which has declined. 

The Medical Society, within two years past, has enlarged 
Its sphere of usefulness, having established a college, and 
endowed professorships ; a course of lectures is annually 
delivered to students in medicine, and diplomas are granted 
to such as take their degrees. This society has been emi- 
nently successful, and now possesses able professors. The 
first year of its duties, (Nov. 1824,) the number of students 
was between 40 and 50 ; the second year the number was 
nearly doubled, and there is every prospect that this insti- 
tution will command a most extensive patronage. The 
number who have graduated and received diplomas amounts 
to 33.* 

The St. Cecilia Society is of very old standing. It was 
established some time in 1762. Music has always been 
highly admired and patronized in this city, and still is, 
though more in a private way. 

It has contributed much to establish a good taste for 
music in the state. At one time it gave annual salaries of 
2 to 3000 dollars, to secure first-rate professors. 

The Free Masons, in this city, constitute one of the 
largest and most respectable associations in the United 
States. They comprise 14 lodges, and include about 1500 
members ; their charities amount annually to near §1500. 

* Both the city council and the legislature have acted with great 
liberality to this institution, granting it the funds requisite to erect its 
buildings, and purchase its apparatus. A spacious edifice is now 
erecting for the college, which promises to be an ornament to the 
city. It is situate on Queen near Mazyck-street. 



437 

The Charleston Library Society was established in 1748, 
and incorporated in 1754. It is composed of upwards of 
300 members, and comprises now between 13 and 14,000 
volumes, besides a number of fine engravin2;s, port-folios 
of views, &c. In the great fire that tf»ok place in 1778, a 
large portion of the original library was destroyed, with a 
valuable philosophical apparatus. 

Its capital, in bank shares and stock, amounts to ^1 1,600, 

and yearly income to ^3,000. Averasj;e annual expenses, 

^2,500, including the purchase of books, and contingencies.* 

This library occupies the principal part of the attic story 

of the court-house. 

There have also been founded in this city, within a few 
years, two other library societies, the Franklin and Ram- 
say, the latter composed chiefly of young men. 

The Literary and Philosophical Society is an institution 
that does great honour to the state. It was founded in 
1813, and comprises a large mineralogical cabinet, a num- 
ber of subjects of natural history and botany. 

The Museum is situate on Chalmers-street, nearly front- 
ing the city square, and is well stored wlih curious subjects 
in natural history, Indian antiquities, foreign and native 
works of art, &c. 

The institutions for educating youth in this city are both 
numerous and highly respectable. At the head of these is 
the Charleston College, established soon after the revolu- 
tionary war. It commenced as an academy under the su- 
perintendence of the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, (afterwards 
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church.) By his ex- 
ertions in obtaining the best qualified classical teachers, it 
soon was incorporated as a college, of which he was ap- 
pointed as principal. Bishop Smith held this office until 
1798, when he resigned it, 

* To the liberality of Dr. Bray, Charleston is indebted for its first 
publiclibrarv, in 1700. 



438 

After the state institution went into operation at Columbia, 
this college declined, and remained inoperative until within 
a few years, when an effort was made by a few gentlemen 
to restore its usefulness, — in which they succeeded. It is 
now upon a permanent footing, possesses able teachers, and 
promises to redeem its original character. This important 
institution is now under the care of trustees.* 

Thr first Free School in this state, was founded in Charles- 
ton, as early as 1712 ; since which, extensive means have 
been created to dispense knowledge among the destitute, 
both by the state, and by various benevolent societies, al- 
ready noticed. There are four Free Schools established in 
Charleston, under legislative patronage. The liberal salary 
of SI 200 is allowed to each teacher. These, with the nu- 
merous private academies and schools distributed through 
the city, evince the particular attention paid to this most 
important subject. 

Many valuable institutions, devoted to the instruction of 
female youth, are established in Charleston, where every 
branch of useful, elegant, polite, and ornamental education 
is taught. t 

Besides the circulating libraries, (of which there are se- 
veral, both extensive and respectable, in Charleston,) there 
are innumerable fountains of knowledge opened in every 
part of the city. Evez-y publice house has a reading-room, 
where the periodical papers of the day, and those from dif- 
ferent parts of the Union, are received. A taste for read- 
ing and polite literature is extending itself generally among 

* It is in contemplation to erect a large brick building for the col- 
lege-exercises ; ample provision being made for this purpose, and to 
purchase an apparatus. 

t The female character is now properly appreciated. The educa» 
lion of our daughters is now considered to be equally important with 
that of our sons, and most assuredly the fact is as represented. The 
simple consideration of the duties devolving on the mistress and mo- 
ther of a family, is sufficient to satisfy the most sceptical on this head« 



439 

our citizens, and a happy circumstance it is, as during a 
certain part of the year considerable leisure^occursj the sea- 
son of business being of limited duration. 

Among the private establishments of this'l characters, 
•^^ Walker's reading-room" is the most extensive, both in 
the variety and interest of the periodical productions receiv- 
ed there, particularly in English literature, independent of 
newspapers. 

Every book-store presents a mental feast, and for number, 
elegance, and richness of literary lore, are not exceeded by 
any city in the Union. Wherever our steps are directed 
the improvement of Charleston in literature and the arts 
manifests itself. The book stores of Messrs, Hurlbut, Millj 
Berret, and many others, are^not only extensive in the 
number, but choice in the selection of their books. 

In reviewing the springs of knowledge in this city, we 
must not forget to mention one, from which much benefit 
is anticipated to be derived, namely, the Apprentices' Li» 
brary Society, instituted in 1 824, expressly to benefit the 
youth devoting their attention to mechanical pursuits. 

The library at present consists of upwards of 3000 vol- 
umes, mostly presented by donation. The subscription 
amounts annually to two dollars, which is chiefly laid out 
in the purchase of suitable books. The library room is over 
the centre market-house, the use of which has been liberally 
granted by the commissioners of the market. 

There are four daily public journals printed in this city | 
their titles, according to seniority, are, the City Gazette, 
Courier, Southern Patriot, and Charleston Mercury ; all 
edited with ability, and conducted upon liberal principles. 
There are besides, three weekly journals issued, devoted 
principally to religious subjects, the Southern Intelligencer, 
Catholic Miscellany, and Wesleyan Journal The Gospel 

* it small juYcnile work, called the Album, is to be added to thig 
rmmber ©f weekly publications devoted to literary subjects. 



440 

Messenger, (an Episcopal work,) and Medical Journal, are 
published monthly, besides a work devoted to agricultural 
subjects. 

MfSCELLANEOUS. 

A better mode of conveying off the waters from the sur- 
face of the streets uf Charlestoa is wanted, which shall 
not subject the citj' to the nuisance and expense arising 
from the obstructions created by the present imperfect 
construction of the drains.* 

A reduction of the number of licensed taverns and dram 
shops, which prove so ruinous to our youth and servants, is 
much demanded. The increase of these tempting retreats 
is a serious evil, and should command the particular atten- 

* The author of this work suggested many years ago a plan which 
would effectually remedy this evil, to convey the waters off com- 
pletely, and thereby give that assurance of health, which is so im- 
portant to be realized. This plan consists, 1st, In running two or 
three large main tunnels from river to river, along Broad and Bound- 
ary streets, crossed by one running along Meeting-street, and inter- 
secting the latter, which may be extended out afterwards, as the 
necessity of the case may require. These tunnels, or culverts, are 
proposed to be sunk to low water mark, and to be of a suitable size 
to admit the free passage of the tides through them, with flood-gates 
at each extremity to retain the waters at pleasure. 2d To open a 
communication between these main drains and the present, or any 
future lateral drains, and allow all private drains to discharge into 
them, by which means, (from their depth,) the tides will flow up 
through them, and cleanse out al! thmr filth and sediinent. Independent 
of this operation, Uie tunnels being always filled with water, will be 
so many reservoirs in case of fire,or for cleansing the streets, &c. No 
improvement with the view to the health, safety, or comfort of our 
city, is more important than this. Though the expenses of the work 
in the first instance would be 'considerable, yet in a few years it 
would be repaid, in the saving of the enormous tax which the citi- 
zens are now subject to, from keeping open and repairing the present 
drains, which costs the city several thousand dollars per annum,, 
besides reducing the policy of insurance on houses, &c. 



441 

tion and vigilance of our public authorities. Instead of in- 
creasing, we should endeavor to reduce these sources of cor- 
ruption to the morals "four citizens generally, and especial- 
ly to our poor — pauperism may be traced most generally 
from the dramshop, which has become the licensed hiding 
place of the vagabond and dissipated man. In every point 
of view the liberty of vending liquors so extensively is at- 
tended with dangerous if not fatal consequences to the wel= 
fare of families, individuals, and sometimes whole commu- 
nities. Drunkenness is the crying sin of our country. By 
licensing so many to deal out the poison we are actually 
abettors to the crime. If we must have drinking places, let 
them be beer houses ; let us encourage the use of malt li- 
quors, which may be drank with impunity. 

Measures ought to be taken to compel all those who 
erect houses, (within the populous parts of the city at least,) 
to build them of brick. The fatal result of fires in Charles- 
ton ou^ht to be a warning to our citizens to guard against 
an increase of the evil. Mutual safety ought to influence 
all in this respect ; and where we are blind to our social 
obligations, public authority should intervene to compel 
us to the performance of what is right. 

A very erroneous opinion is entertained by sohie that 
a brick house is more damp than a wooden one. The chief 
difference however, is, that the walls of the brick houses 
being the coldest, sooner condense the moisture floating in 
the air. The notion that this moisture comes through the 
wall sroTi the outside, is ehtirely wrong; the manner 
of avoiding this coldness of bri«k walls is only to batten 
them out ill the usual way ; this puts them upon the same 
footing with wooden walls inside. 

A regimental review takes place monthly in Charleston, 
v^hich is constituted of the relief guard, subject to be called 
out on any emergency. The several companies turn out 
monthly for military exercise. A general review of all 
the troops takes place once a year, by the governor^ when 



- 442 

a handsome exhibition of military tactics and costume is 
made. Much taste is displayed by the volunteer troops 
in their military dresses, and most of them have large and 
elegant bands of music ; some companies will count as ma- 
ny as twelve wind instruments, besides drums, cymbals, 
triangles, &c. 

The aggregate military force of Charleston, including 
the Neck, exceeds 3000, embracing a squadron of cavalry, 
regularly embodied, uniformed and trained ; a regiment of 
artillery, a regiment of infantry, a regiment of riflemen 
and light infantry. 

HIVEHS, CREEKS, LAKES, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWlSEo 

The sea-coast of this district, is indented with innumerable 
navigable creeks and inlets j the principal rivers are the 
Santee, Edisto, Cooper, Ashley, Goose, Wando, Stono, Wad- 
malaw, Dawho, &c. all of which are navigable for vessels of 
twenty tons, and some of fifty tons burden. The influence of 
the tides extends up the Cooper river near 60 miles, following 
the simuosities of the river. The navigation of this river now, 
by means of the Santee canal, reaches to the Santee river. 
The tides flow up the Ashley as far as Bacon's bridge, but in 
the Santee and Edisto, owing to the immense bodies of fresh 
water descending these streams, they extend only a little way 
up, except in seasons of great drought. The Ashley river is 
very wide opposite the city | the Cooper river is still wider. 

VALUE OF LAND— DIVISION OF PROPERTY. 

The value of land in this district varies so much that it is 
diflScult to form a correct average of it. Being however class- 
ed by the state for the purposes of taxation, this circumstance 
may serve as a guide to determine their value. Lands here 
pay be viewed under six divisions in respect to quality j Istj 
Tide swamp t, 2d, Inland swamp i Sd, High river swamp (or 
low grounds, commonly called second low grounds) | 4th5 
Salt Marsh ; 5th, Oak and hickory high lands | and 6th, Pine 
Mrren* The tide and inland swamps are peculiarly adapted 



443 

to the culture of lice and hemp ; they are very valuable, and 
will frequently sell for §100 an acre ; in some instances for 
more. The high river swatnpsare well calculated for raising 
hemp, indigo, corn, and cotton | and, where secured from 
freshets, are equally valuable with the tide lands. The oak 
and hickory highlands are well suited for corn and provisions, 
also for indigo and cotton. The value of these may be stated 
at from ten to twenty dollars per acre. The pine barrens are 
the least productive ; and, except under peculiar circumstanceSj 
are not worth more than one dollar an acre.* 

The tide swamps are of so level a nature, that frequently a 
few inches of water will cover them for agricultural purposes. 
These in the lesislative valuation of lands for taxation form the 
first grade of soil in tlie state. The swamps above the inHu- 
ence of the tides, are subject to freshes, and therefore hazard- 
ous, but in other respects are of immense value- 

Since the first settlement of this district there has been a 
progressive rise in the price of property : choice spots of land, 
which sixty years !igo cost little more than the fees of office, 
will now command from ten to fifteen dollars per acre ; squares 
might have been purchased in Charleston K\<i'.\y jears after it 
be^an to be built, for less money than single lots sell for at 
present. The appreciation of landed property in general 
averages three for one, and in many cases ten or twenty for 
one. The rents of houses— the price of slaves — the wages of 
laborers— the expenses of living, and of educating children, 
have all advanced three, if not four, for one. 

There is less division of property in this district than per- 
haps any other ; large tracts of land are held by a fev/ indivi, 

; * It is remarkable that grounds of this last description, though 
comparatively barren, afford nourishment to pine trees, which main- 
tain their verdure though the winter, and administer more to the 
necessities and comforts of mankmd than any other trees whatever. 
This may perhaps in part be accounted for by the well known fact, 
that much of the pine land of Carolina is only superficially sandy ; 
for by digging into it a few feet, the soil in many places changes fiom 
sand' to clay. 

H K 2 



444 

duals : — this has ai-isen from physical causes. Property how- 
ever is becoming more divided, as fa inilies increase, intermarry^ 
separate, and become embarrassed in their pecuniary concerns. 

RExMARKABLE ATMOSPHERICAL PHENOMENA AND OTHER 

EVENTS. 

Under this head may be noticed the hurricanes, with which 
Charleston, in common with other districts, has been visited. 
The first of these terrible storms took place in 1700, and did 
some damage to the city by flooding the streets, but providen- 
tially no lives were lost, except in the unfortunate shipwreck 
of the Rising-sun, with a number of Scotch settlers from 
Darien, all of whom perished, except a few that happened to 
be on shore. 

The second hurricane was in 1713 ; the tliird in 1728, which 
overflowed the city and all the low lands, doing incredible 
damage. The inhabitants of the city were obliged to take re- 
fuge in the upper stories of their dwelling houses; twenty- 
three ships were driven ashore, and many thousand trees were 
levelled near the maritime parts. 

The hurricane of 1752 excited the longest and greatest por- 
tion of public attention.* 

* A particular description of this hurricane will suffice to give an 
idea of the nature of these phenomena. 

In the months of June, July, and August, 1752, the weather in 
Charleston was warmer than any of the inhabitants before liad ever 
experienced. The mercury in the shade often rose above 90°, and for 
nearly twenty successive days varied between that and 101°. By sucli 
excessive heat the aii always becomes greatly rarified, and a violent 
hurricane commonly follows, and restores the balance in the atmos- 
phere. In such a case, the wmd usually proceeds from the N. E. 
These storms, indeed, seldom happen, except m seasons when the 
weather has been long dry and hot. 

On the 15th September a dreadful hurricane came on; the night 
■before, it was observed by the mhabitants oi Charleston, that the wmd 
at N. E. began to blow hard, and continued increasing in violence till 
next morning. The sky was suddenly overcast, audit began to driz- 
zle and rain> This N. E. wind blew with so much violence as to stem 



445 

In September 1784, after an interval of fifty-two years, 
another hurricane took place. This proceeded from a June* 
tion of two simultaneous gales of wind on the coast The 

the gulf stream in its northern course, and threw it on the shoreso 
About nine o'clock, A. M. the flood came rolling in with great impe- 
tuosity, and in a little time rose ten feet above high water mark at 
the highest tides. The streets were almost instantly covered with 
Ijoats, boards, wrecks of houses and vessels. Before ten o'clock al! 
the ships in the harbor were driven ashore, and sloops and schooneri 
were dashing against the houses of E. Bay-street : the stores on the 
several wharves from Roper's on the south, to Wrag's on the north 
of E. Bay-street, were all broken up and lodged in large heaps on the 
Governor's bridge, and the yards or open grounds in its vicinity. 

When the gale came on, there was a large ship at anchor in Sulli- 
van's island road; when it was over, that ship, no longer visible, was 
supposed to be foundered, but Vi^as shortly found in Clouter's creek, 
about six miles north of Charleston. During the gale she had drifted 
with her anchor ahead, through tlie marsh opposite the city, called 
Shute's folly, and also passed over another piece of marsh land three 
miles higher up, called Drum's island, without the loss ofany of her 
crew, masts, or yards. After taking out two schooner loads of her 
cargo, she was hove down at Hobcaw careening place. On examin- 
ation, it appeared that she had sustained no other damage than the 
loss of some of her sheathing plank, torn off by oj'ster-shells. She ^ 
was afterwards reloaded, and arrived safely at London, after she had 
been given over for lost. 

Another vessel was driven, with her anchors ahead, from off White 
point, through the mouth of Vanderhost's creek. In passing, she car- 
ried away the S. W. corner of the Baptist, now the mariner's church,, 
and afterwards safely grounded on the west side of Meeting-street. 
Her draft of water was from nine to ten feet. 

A ship, with a cargo of Palatines, had anchored in Ashley river a 
day or two before the gale. She, with her anchors, v/as driven into the 
marsh near to James' island, where, by continual rolling, the pas- 
sengers were tumbled from side to side ; about twenty of them, by 
bruises and other injuries, lost their lives. The Hornet, sloop of war, 
with seven anchors ahead, drifted almost on shore at the place where 
Gadsden's wharf now stands. Her bowsprit and foremast were cut 
away to prevent her foundering- She was the only vessel in the har- 
bor that rode out the storm. All others were wrecked, damaged, o^ 



446 

one commenced at the Carrihee islands, and proceeded 
liorthwesivvardly along the coast of Florida, Georgia, and 
Soutii Carolina. The other comiienced at northeast, and 
proceeded south vvestwardly. These two gales after having 
done much mischief, met, and formiiig a junction in the lati- 
tude of Charleston or Beaufort, effected still greater devas- 
tation. Their conflict was attended with torrents of rain ; 
it retarded the gulf stream, and of course accumulated so 
jnuch water on the coast as to inundate a great part of the 
low lands (jf South Carolina and Georgia. For several 
days, before the storm commenced, an uncommon roaring 
of theS'.'a was dislimtly heard, especially by the residents 
on Sullivan's island. The tides were remarkable f-jr high 
floods, and the ebbs less low than usual. The effects 
of this hurricane were dreadful through all the low coun- 
try. Tiie amount of property destroyed was immense. 
The situation of those on Sullivan's island was distressing 
beyond description. It was the opinion of several, who 
witnessed tiie scene, that in case the tide had continued to 

driven on the wharves, The cons'ernation which seized the inhabi- 
tants, exceeds ail description- Fmding themselves amidst a tempes- 
tuous sea, and expecting- the tide to flow till one o'clock, they rethed 
at eleven, t.o the upper stories of their houses, and contemplated a 
speedy termination of their lives- At this critical time, Providence 
mercifu.ly interposed, and surprised them with a sudden and unex- 
pected deliverance- Seen after eleven the wind shifted, in conse- 
quence of which the waters fell five teet in the space often minutes? 
By this happy change, the gulf stream, ho longer stemmed by the vio- 
lent blast, had freedom to return to its usual course, and the town 
was saved from imminent danger. Had the gulf stream continued to 
flow in upon the tov^'n, its destruction Would have been inevitable. Al- 
most all the tiled and slated houses were uncovered ; several persons 
were hurt, and some drowned. The fortiiications and wharves were 
almost entirely demclished- The provisions in the fields, mthe mari- 
time parts, were destroyed, and numbers of cattle and hogs perished 
in the waters. The pest-house on Sullivan's island, built of wood, 
with fourteen persons in it, was carried several miles up Cooper river, 
and nme of the fourteen were drowijed- 



447 

rise for half an hour longer every house on the island must 
have fallen.* 

It is very remarkable that all these hurricanes took place 
in September, and between the eisjhth and sixteenth of the 
month. It is important to fix these dates with precision, 
for when exactly ascertained ihey not only tend to dimin- 
ish the period of terror, which, in the season of hurricanes^ 
disturbs the minds of many in the citv, and on Sullivan's 
island, but furnish data from past experience for rati mal 
conjunctures on tiie probable time of their taking; place. 
The inhabitants of Sullivan's island and of the sea-coast, 
shoold be attentive to all great changes of the weather be- 
twen the 1st and 16th of September, particularly after very 
hot summers, and especially when an uncommon roaring is 
heard from the sea. It appears that hurricanes have general- 
ly come earlier in the season. The two first, in 1700 and 
1713, were on Sept. 16th ; that of 172S was Sept. j4th. 
that of 1752, Sept. i5th; that of 1804, Sept. Sth ; that of 
IStl, Sept. iOth. 

The last hurricana with which we have been visited, oc- 
curred on Sept. 2rth, 1822, by which this district suffered 
very considerable damage both in the country and city. 
It commenced at ten o'clock at night, and did not abate un- 
til three in the morning. 

The summer of 1728 was uncommonly hot ; the face of 
the earth was completely parched ; the pools of standing 

* In reviewino- circumstances of the awful character just related, 
which places in jeopardy the live? of so many inestimable citizens, 
(to say the least,) and such an immense amount of the valuable pro- 
perty, as is concentrated in the city, and on the island, we are pow- 
erfully drawn to the consideration, whether there exists any practica- 
ble plan, by which the harbor of Charleston could be so protected 
from the sudden mroad of the sea, so as to form a safeguard, both to 
Sullivan's Island and the city? If such a plan is feasible, no reason- 
able expense should deter us from effecting- its execution with all de- 
spf)<tch. See pages 100 and 270, for further particulars on this sub- 
ject. 



448 

water dried up, and the fields reduced to the greatest dis- 
tress. The frost in 1747 was so intense, th;it a person ha- 
ving carried two quart bottles of hot vvater to bed, found 
in the niorning they were split to pieces and the water con- 
■yerted into solid ice. It also destroyed a number of orange 
and olive trees. In 1796 the gre^it Yazoo freshet occur- 
red. In 1803 a snow tookplace in February ; and in ISIS 
ice was found on the 19th of April. The city has been 
visited with two or three very destructive fires ; the first 
(in Nov. 1740) destroyed half the town. The second in 
ISIO, October lOth ; the third, i819, Jtdy 10th. The com- 
mencement of the year 1800 was uncommonly cold, and 
several snow storms took place in the months of January 
and February; some of these covered the grounds of the 
lower country six inches ; and those of the upper country 
two or three feet. 

The year 1818 was also remarkable for drouglit ; streanrs 
were dried up that were never before knovvn to fail, and 
some of the rivers fell so low as to stop the navigation of 
Ijie boats. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES, &c. 

Under the head of Natural History of the state, will be 
found a particular account of the botany of this state. 
Most of the trees, shrubs, and vines there mentioned, are 
to be found in this district. 

The season of flowering is very early here, and varies 
?iccording to the seasons ; some years occurring in Febru- 
ary. Vegetation is seldom checked longer than four weeks. 

EXPENSES OF LIVING— PRICE OF LABOR. 

The expenses of living here, out of the city or its neigh- 
borhood, are very moderate. There is abundance of poul- 
try, fish, vegetables and game, which makes the price of 
boarding very reasonable. The price of labor, for prime 
hands, is from eighty to one hundred and twenty dollars a 
year. 



449 

CLIMATE— DISEASES, &c. 

Under the head of physical features, &c. of the state, a 
particulr.r account of the climate and diseases peculiar to this 
district will be found. 

LONGEVITY. 

The instances of longevity are bj no means rare. The 
foilowina; are enumerated : 

Mrs. Mary Ernst, aged 92 years, born in Germany, a 
resident in Charleston 66 years. Amns Tims, S3, and his 
wife 91. Mrs. Linguard, of Charleston, 90. Elizabeth 
Henry, of Charleston, born in Ireland, S6. Mrs. Lane, SS, 
Mr. John L. Wingtsen, 85. Mrs. Mary Symser, 84, a 
resident in Charleston 67 years. Mrs. Roupel, 74. Sebas- 
tian Spinier, 81, a resident in Charleston 57 years. Mr, 
John Horlbtck, born in Saxony, lived in Charleston 44 
years, and never took a dose of medicine, SO. Mr. De 
Tollinere, a native of Nantz, lived in Carolina 35 years, 
and for several years, at all seasons, in St. John's, aged 80„ 
Mrs. Sarah Smith, a descendant of governor Moc re, aged 
SO, had 110 descendants, of vvhom 62 were alive in ISOS,- 
all born and resided in or near Charleston. 

Since 179G, the following have died :~James Jaquet, a 
native of Switzerland, a resident in St. James', Santee, for 
60 years, aged 105. Elizabeth Jenkins, 94. Mrs. Ann 
Anderson, 89. Miss Mary Bacot, 89. Peter Buyck, S7o 
Zachariah Villepontoux, 87. Mrs. McKewn, Dorchester^ 
87. William Ancrum, 86. Stephen Mazyck, Goose-creek, 
85. Ursula Grabenstien, 85. Mrs. Austin, 84. Mrs. 
Williams, who was a grandmother at 30, aged 80. General 
Gadsden, Ralph Atmore, Theodore Trezevant, Eliza Riv- 
ers, Margaret Buckle, Mary Barnwell, Christianna Dawson^ 
Emanued Abrahams, Ann Gray, Mary Tucker, Catherine 
Cordes, Sarah Jones, Sarah Butler, Ann Morgan, Margaret 
Youjig, Margaret Woolfe, Rachel Caw, Mrs. Ballantine^ 



460 

Mrs. Mars; several of whom were above, and all had reach- 
ed 80. There are many now livin«; whose ygi'S exceed SO, 
and one or two above 100. W. P. Weston is &S. Mrs. P. 
M Warner, Mrs. Lightwood, Georsce McCauiey, Joseph 
Wart, Mrs. Mazyck, are all risins; 80. Marv Ellis, 81. 
Daniel Legare, 81. Damarius Elizabeth Ravenell, SS. Jo- 
siah Smith, lately dec^-asHd, 99. Mrs. Tasiijert, 92. Mrs. 
Ward, 82. Mrs. Prioleau, 84. Many others might be 
mentioned whose ages exceed 76.* 

The bills of moriality of the citv exhibit the foll)wing 
deaths, with the number by yellow fever, in a series of te.E 
years, namely: 

Year. Total JVb. Deaths, Yellow Fever. 

1815 8G3 none 

1816 867 none 

1817 1249 270 

1818 995 none 
l81Si 1092 176 

1820 827 li} 

Imported cases. 5 

1821 ^21 none 

1822 925 none 

1823 814 none 

1824 1059 236 

1825 to 1st Nov. 697 3> 

From the West Indies. \ 

This result compared with the yearly mortality in other 
cities, proves, that Charleston is equally healthy with any 
of the maritime cities in the Unicn. The years of yellow 
fever that have occurred here, are stated as follow : 

First, in 112S — second, in 173iJ ; began in May, ended 

* It has been remarked by the venerable W. P. Weston, Esq. and 
confirmed by the experience of many, that if a census of aged per- 
sons were taken in Charleston, it would be found that the number of 
those above sixty was greater in proportion to the populanon than 
that of any other city in the Union; which fact speaks powerfully in 
favor of the health of Charleston. Within the knowledge of a single 
individual, 126 males above the age of 60 have been counted. 



451 

in October; 1739, Europeans suffered the most from it ; 
1745 and 1748, yellow fever returned, but with less vio- 
lence ; -753 and i755, it appeared again, in a few cases, but 
did not spread. 

For forty four years after 1748, there was no epidemic 
attack of this disease, though there were occasionally, in 
different summers, a few sporadic cases of it. In the year 

1792, a new era of the yellow fever commenced. It raged 
in Charleston that year, and in 1794, '95, '96, '97, '99^ 
1800, 1, 2, 4, and 7. The number of deaths from it, in 
these its worst years, were, 

Deaths. Deaths. 

In 1799 239 In 1804 148 

1800 184 1807 162 

1802 96 

It appeared slightly in the years 1803 and 1S05. In 
both years its victims did not exceed 59. In the years 

1793, 1798, and iSOS, the disease is not mentioned at all ; 
and in the year 1806 it is only mentioned as having appear- 
ed in a very few cases, under particular circumstances. 
From 1808 little of this disease occurred until 1817, when 
there were S70 deaths ; in 1819, 176 ; and in 1824, though 
many strangers were present, the deaths did not exceed 
^36, in the (hree months it continued, the population being 
near 40,000. 

POLICE TAVERNS STATE OF ROADS, BRIDGES, AND 

HARBORS. 

The police of this district is much the same as in other 
districts. That connected with the city is peculiar to itself, 
and has been already stated : the taverns on the public high- 
ways are improving ; the roads are in general good, arising 
from the particular nature of the ground over which they 
run, and from the' produce being all taken to market by 
wa^er. The crossing places of the rivers are those, where 

I i2 



452 

delay and difficulty occur, and this only during high waters. 
The bridges and ferries are generally kept in good order. 

The sea-coast of this district possesses two good harbors; 
that of the city, and Bull's or Sewee bay. 

MANUFACTURES — COMMERCE. 

Except of a domestic nature, there are no manufactures 
carried on in the district. In the city the usual manufactur- 
ing establishments are to be found. Of the commerce, and 
of the various mechanical trades, in the district, see "City 
of Charleston." 

POPULATION. 

The total population of the district exceeds now 81,000j 
namely— 20,900 whites ; 57,000 slaves ; 3,600 free blacks ; 
total, 81,500. The population may be said to be increasing. 

NUMBER eF CATTLE, SHEEP, AND SWINE— THEIR VALUE, 

But little attention is paid to the raising of cattle, sheep, 
and swine, for market, though the district abounds in luxu- 
riant meadows, rich pastures, and abundance of mast. The 
cultivation of cotton and rice absorbs the whole attention of 
the planters, and they depend upon the country west for a 
supply of these animals. 

PISH— -GAME — BIRDS, MIGRATORY OR OTHERWISE. 

In fish the rivers and creeks of this district abound. 
The fresh waters yield the trout, pike, bream, roach, or 
silver-fish, mud-fish, perch, sucking-fish, or carp, herring, 
cat-fish, gar-fish, rock-fish, and eel ; and of the shell-fish 
kind, the soft-shell turtle, terreben, and cray-fish. The 
salt water fish are the shark, porpoise, drum, bass, sailor's 
choice, whiting, cavalli, snapper, shad, sheep head, crocus, 
porgy, black-fish, soles, and angel-fish, mullet, skip-jack, 
yellow-tai], ale-wife^ &c. Of the marine sheli-fish there are 



453 

some kinds of large and small sea turtle, oysters, erahs. 
shrimps, clams, and muscles. 

The birds are the bald eagle, fishing-hawk, &c. 

Under the head of Natural History of the state, further 
particulars in relation to this subject may be seen. 

NUMBER OF POOR, BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB, AND LUNATIC 
PERSONS. 

The number of the poor of the district (exclusive of the 
city) is not great ; they generally go into the asylum pre- 
pared for them in the city. 

EDUCATION, 

The education of youth received very early attention in 
this district. Under the royal government liberal contri- 
butions for its support were made by several individuals. 
Sir Francis Nicholson, the first royal governor, was a great 
friend to learning, and liberally contributed to its advance- 
ment. The Rev. Mr. Ludium, of Goose Creek, bequeathed 
all his estate (computed to amount to Jg2000) for founding 
a free-school. Richard Beresford, by his will, bequeathed 
a considerable fund, which amounted, at least, to J650O„ 
for promoting liberal learning, and the support and educa- 
tion of the poor of St. Thomas' parish, which fund is still 
in existence, and under the care of the Beresford Society. 

In 1733, a free-school was erected at Childsbury, in St 
John's parish, on the foundation of ^£600, bequeathed for 
that purpose by James Child, and £2200, subscribed by 
the parishioners. The interest of £200, bequeathed by 
Francis Williams, was also appropriated as a fund for 
teaching poor scholars. 

The corporations of these free-schools were all cherished 
by the government. 

Besides these institutions there are several fj-ee-schools for 
the education ot poor children in the district, independent of 
those noticed existing in the city, and supported on pri- 



^ , 454 

vate benevolence. In 1804 a nnrnber of ladies in Charles- 
ton associated to endow a free-schooL 

The state has for many years contributed very liberally 
to the education of poor children in this district. In the 
two last years, the commissioners of free-schools reported 
14,230 dollars expended, and 1224 pupils under education ; 
according to the representation of this district, the commis- 
sioners are entitled to disburse upwards of 15,000 dollars 
annually, towards this object. 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF KELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The first settlers here were of different religious persua- 
sions ; no legal pre-eminence of any sect over another was 
allowed by the charter ; which state of things continued for 
twenty-eight years, before any change was made.* 

The Episcopalians have now four places of worship in the 
city, besides one in St Andrews, one in St. Johns', one in 
St. Thomas', one in Christchurch, and one in St. James' pa» 
rish, Santee. 

The Presbyterians were among the first settlers of this 
country, and formed the first regular church here. They 
were always numerous and respectable. Three churches 
have been formed by them in the city, one on Edisto island, 
one in St. John's, one on Wadmalaw island, one at Fon 
Pon, and one in Christchurch. 

The Baptists formed a church in Charleston about the 
year 1685. They have one place of worship in the city, 
and several in the district 

The Congregationalists constituted, with the Presby- 
terians, one church, about the year 1696. An Independent 
society has been formed out of this church within a few 
years, under the name of the Unitarian church. 

The Methodists made their first appearance as a religious 

* Under the head of Ecclesiastical History, fiirther particulars on 
this subject may be seen. 



455 

society here in 17S5. They have four places of worship 
in the city, and several others in the district. 

The Roman Catholics were not organized as a church 
in Charleston (.n •! 1791 ; they then built a place of wor- 
ship in the city, aud within a few years have erected 
another, which is named the cathedral, where their bishop 
officiates. 

The Quakers have a small church in Charleston, 

The French Protestant church is of very ancient stand- 
ing. The members, of late years, have mostly joined other 
churches, so that little more exists now than the name. 

The German Protestants associated as a church, in 
Charleston, about the year 1756 ; in 1759 built a place of 
worship, and within a few years iiave erected another large 
and handsome house in its place. 

The Jews have had a synagogue in Charleston, for more 
than half a century. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Charleston having been, for almost a century, the cradle 
of the state, furnishes a splendid list of" eminent men. 
Those disinterested patriots of the revolution — those who 
dared to expose themselves to ignominy and death in their 
country's cause, and to be branded as traitors in the eyes of 
the world, should that cause they had espoused fail of suc- 
cess—claim our first attention. 

Henry Middleton, John Rutledge, Christopher Gadsden, 
Thomas Lynche, and Edward Rutledge, (all of this dis- 
trict,) were the first of our citizens chosen deputies of the 
province, to accomplish that glorious deed, which establish- 
ed the independence of the United States. The council of 
safety were, Henry Laurens, Charles C. Pinckney, R. 
Lowndes, T. Ferguson, M. Brewton, A. Middleton- T. 
Heyws(rd, Jr. T. Bee, J. Huger, J. Parsons, W. H, Dray- 
ton, B. Elliott, and W. Williamson. In addition to these 



45(3 

great names, we find a Moultrie, Washington, Motte, War- 
ren, Manigault, Smith, Wragg, Rhrett, and a host of other 
worthies, who cheerfully relinquished every comfort for 
their country's good. Gen. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 
whose loss we have had very lately to deplore, was a pure 
patriot, and most amiable man in private life. Gen. Gads- 
den, and Thomas Ferguson, who were in the council, no- 
bly dissented from those in that body who would have ca- 
pitulated to Gen. Prevost. Major B. Huger was an active 
officer, a wise statesman, and virtuous citizen. He was un- 
fortunately killed before the lines at Charleston. Col. Ro- 
berts, of the artillery, was mortally wounded at the battle 
of Stono. Cols. Horry and Shubrick, Capt. Heyward, 
Lieuts. Sawyer and Brown, Francis Kinloch, and Capts. 
Bowman, Moultrie, Templeman, and Neyle, (the last four 
killed,) all faithfully served their country. Col. White, 
Major Jamieson, F. G. Deleesline, Samuel Dupre, though 
very young, acted with great spirit and bravery in the re- 
volution. Capt. George Logan was a zealous patriot ; he 
was killed at Black Mingo in attempting to join Marion. 
Col. Vanderhorst, was a brave and intelligent officer, he 
served with Marion. Dr. M. Irvine was a skilful physi- 
cian, and a brave sohlier. Capt. Capers fought nobly un- 
der Marion. Himself and brother were often the terror of 
the enemy — they both suffered imprisonment in the Pro- 
vost (Exchange) prison. Capt. Thomas Bennet was a ju- 
dicious, brave, and active officer, and had command of 
the scouting parlies. Col. Screven was an enterprising 
and brave officer. Jervis H. Stevens, now living, served un- 
der Marion during the whole of the revolutionary war as 
adjutant, with great zeal and success.* Daniel Hegser, and 

* Mr. Stevens was the deputy post-master, who had charge of the 
post-office, when the committee went to demand the mail from En- 
.gland, which contained despatches of great.moment to the interests 
of the country to be known. Mr. Stevens' patriotism was not doubt- 
ed ; he did his duty, but lost the mail. 



457 

John L. Gervais, were two of Gen. Rutledge's council du- 
ring the war. 

James Guy, who was at the siege of Savannah, is still 
living, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years ; as also 
Anthony Gubbeau; both served as volunteers under Capt. 
A. Brown. Lieuts. R. Lithgow, and G. Drauer, Capt, 
Cledworth, Charles Stone, and John Matoots, also served 
their country in the war of the revolution. 

Of professional men, Drs. Chalmers, Garden, Lining, 
Ramsay, Prioleau, and Moultrie ; the Rev. Thomas 
Reese, William Tennant, and Richard Clark, all contribu- 
ted to the literary and scientific character of the state, and 
to the advancement of its independence. 

It has also given to the state and general governments 
many officers of distinction. In the list of our governors 
since the revolution, are the two Rutledges, John and Ed- 
ward, A. Vanderhorst, J. Drayton, Paul Hamilton, H. Mid- 
dleton, Joseph Alston, J. Geddes, and Thomas Bennet. 
Among the officers honored with commissions under the 
general government, are, first, as ambassadors to foreign 
countries, H. Laurens, C. C. and T. Pinckney, H, 
Middleton, and Joel R. Poinsett ; as secretary of the na- 
vy, Paul Hamilton ; as one of the federal judges, Wil- 
liam Johnson ; as president pro tern, of the senate of the 
United States, John Gaillard. 

Other distinguished names might be added to this list as 
belonging to Charleston, but the limits of this publica- 
tion will not admit of it. In Ramsay's, Drayton's, and 
Lee's history of South Carolina, Garden's Biographical 
Anecdotes, Johnson's Green, and James' Marion, many 
of these names will be found recorded. 

CUSrOMS— AMUSEMENTS. 

The race-course furnishes one of the princip.^1 popular 
amusements of Charleston. Every planter formerly used 
to raise yearly one or more colts. No part of Araeriea, 



458 

except Virginia, could produce so many fine horses, either 
for the race, saddle, or draught, as were collected at certain 
seasons on the Charleston race course. The cavalry of this 
district was famous during the revolutionary war from this 
cause. Since the peace of 1783, but little attention has 
been paid by the planters to raising horses, either for the 
course or saddle. The culture of cotton has so engrossed 
their attention that they now purchase most of their horses 
from the traders of Kentucky, Tennessee, and other states, 
who raise them in great numbers, and at little expense. 

The periodical races, in the month of February, form an 
annual epoch, inferior only to the Fourth of .luly. 

Some years ago, such were the attractions of this amuse- 
ment, that the city and country round were almost deserted 
and transplanted to the race-ground. Thousands of dollars 
were there lost and won in a moment. The same scene 
was repeated for the four successive days, and was suc- 
ceeded by a ball, in the true republican style. This period 
being also the usual time of settlement between the planter 
and his factor, the scene generally closed with business, and 
all by degrees resumed their accustomed habits of tranquil 
life. Such now are the occupations and habits of the citi- 
zens, that this amusement excites scarcely half the interest 
it formerly did ; it is yet, however, kept up with some 
spirit. 

Hunting, both as a business and amusement, has always 
been useful and fashionable in this district. From the ne- 
cessity imposed on the first settlers to follow it, both for 
food, safety, and profit, and the leisure of our citizens, it 
became a habit, which has descended from father to son, 
even to the present generation. 

Dancing was always a favorite diversion in Charleston : 
and in it the young people excel. Regular assemblies, 
for this exercise, take place in the city during the cool 
seasons. 



45^ 



NAMES OF PLACES AND THEIR ORIGIN, INDIAN OH 
OTHERWISE. 

Many names of places in this district, particularly of 
streams, have an Indian derivation ; such are the Santee^ 
Edistoh, and Ponpon, Wando, Oendaw, Wambaw, Wad- 
melaw, Wassamassaw, Dawhaw, Keawaw, Tipicophaw, 
Wappola, Wadboo, Wantoot, Wappoo, Wockanaw, EutaWy 
Tomsaw, Echaw, Cainpoy, Wappetaw, Poshee ; besides 
Sewee, Millisee, &c. The etymology of these names is 
unfortunately lost, much to the regret of the naturalist, an- 
tiquarian, and poet. 

Under the head of St, Stephen's parish, some account of 
an Indian settlement in this district will be found. 

Places noted for battles fought during the rerolution, in 
this district, are, besides Sullivan's island and the neigh-= 
borhood of the city, the Eutaw springs, Stono, Quimby 
bridge. Biggin church, Nelson's ferry, Rantole's bridge. 
Strawberry ferry, Quarter house, &c. 

This section of country was inhabited originally by a great 
number of Indian tribes, which subsisted principally on the 
chase, and were often at war with each other.* 

ROCKS, STONES, CALCAREOUS OR OTHERWISE MINERALS. 

The lower part of this district is entirely free from rocks, 
or even pebbles, except the shell limestone, which is to be 
seen in several places. The most conspicuous mass of this 
kind of rock is observable at and near the Eutaw springs, 
where great blocks of it are seen near the road side. On 
the waters of Four-hole swamp also, near Harley's bridge, 
considerable bodies of this stone are found. No minerals 
have been discovered in the district. Some appearances'of 
iron are occasionally seen. There is a quarry of iron sand- 

* Particulars respecting the aborigines of this country will j>e 
fmmd/Hnder the head of Natural History of the state, 

K K 2 



460 

stone near Pineville, which was used in tiie construction of 
the Santee canal locks. 

MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

The materials for building consist entirely of wood and 
brick. The abundance of excellent timber here, and its 
easy possession, occasions the use of wood in most of our 
houses in place of brick. A prejudice has long existed 
against the use of brick; and its high price, in consequence 
no doubt of the irregular demand for this article, has tended 
to produce a preference to wood. As there is such an abun- 
.dance of good clay here suitable to make brick, and the 
safety of the city demands it, the good sense of our citizens 
will, no doubt, adopt the use of brick hereafter. In former 
years cypress was much used in building, but the difficulty 
of obtaining it now, compared with the pine, occasions little 
of it to be cut for sale, except in the shape of shingles: the 
cypress is a most invaluable wood for durability and light- 
ness. Besides the two named we have cedar, poplar, beech, 
oak, and locust, which are or may be also used in building. 
Lime is obtained from burning oyster shells. It makes 
a very good mortar, where good sharp sand is used, though 
it is not equal to the stone lime. 

WASTE LANDS— SWAMPS — QUANTITY RECLAIMED— EX- 
PENSE OP BANKING. 

Under the head oi waste lands may be ranked the unre- 
claimed swamps and marsh lands, the deserted rice fields, 
and inland bays, in this district. These unfortunately cover 
a considerable extent of surface. But, though now neglect- 
ed, their value will one day or other be properly appre- 
ciated. Lands of this character have been correctly denomi- 
nated the gold mines of this country, and where reclaimed 
by embanking and draining, they have proved deserving of 
this title. A very small portion of these extensive swamps 



461 

is yet brought under cultivation, and on such as arereclaina- 
ed, rice is chiefly grown. Where attempts have been made 
to cultivate the river swamps, without securing them from 
freshets by embankments, the crops have more frequently 
failed than otherwise ; and a greater evil than this has 
sometimes resulted ; namely, the total destruction of the 
soil by the sweep of the current over its exposed and light 
surface. If our citizens had only half the industry aad 
perseverance of the Hollanders, many years would not 
elapse before every acre of these valuable lands would be 
brought into successful cultivation, which would not oply 
prove favorable to the pecuniary interests of the planter^ 
but effectually secure the health of the country.* 

WHAT IMI'ROVEMENTS SEE?iI TO BE WANTING. 

This subject embraces a wide field for inquiry, and is of 
the most important character, involving objects of a political 
and personal nature, of the deepest interest to our citizens. 

Charleston district embraces a larger extent of territory j, 
a richer soil, and greater local advantages, than any of the 
lower districts ; indeed, no other part of the state possesses 
these advantages in the same degree. Could it enjoy 
a salubrious air, its growth in population, agricultural 
wealth, and political strength, would, in a few years, mako 
it the most efficient district in the state. The first ques* 
tion is, whether it is practicable to give salubrity to this 
country ? 

When the premises, upon which the merits of this ques^ 
tion rest, are examined, there will be very little hesitation 
in admitting the fact of the perfect practicability of render- 
ing this country healthy ; and further, that the means to 
effect it are entirely within our power. To establish a 

* It is the design of the author of this work to devote a particular 
paper to the discussion of this most important subject, in which our low 
country is^eo deeply interested. 



462 

ttuth so important to the welfare of the district, it will be 
necessary first to consider the causes which tend to produce 
insalubrity in this country ; and secondly, to point out the 
measures necessary to be pursued to rectify them. 

Every one conversant with the operations of nature, and 
having a topographical knowledge of this country, will at 
once be convinced that to the extensive swamps and stag- 
nant pools, which cover its surface, are we to attribute the 
cause of our epidemical diseases. The rank luxuriance of 
vegetation on these waste lands, their perpetual moisture, 
and the operation of a powerful sun, produce at certain sea- 
sons of the year, in a degree indeed extensive, the rapid 
decomposition of this vegetable matter : the miasma arising 
from this decomposition contaminates the surrounding air, 
which afterwards is wafted by the winds over the country, 
and poisons, more or less, the whole atmosphere. No one 
but those acquainted with the nature of these swamps can 
form an adequate idea of the luxuriant description of their 
verdure, and the amazing quantity of vegetable matter 
which is perpetually in growth and decay there. The 
same moisture which aids this luxuriance, is the occasion 
of the rapid decomposition of the plants, resolving them 
into mould again, and thus preparing fresh nourishment for 
the succeeding plants. In this manner has the process been 
carried on for ages ; during which, and according to cir- 
cumstances of season and winds, greater or less quan- 
. titles of mephitic air have been developed, producing 
greater or less disease in the country, and reaching some- 
times even to the city. 

To rectify an evil of this alarming nature and extent, 
our citizens ought simultaneously, with all industry and 
speed, to begin to clear, drain, embank in from freshets^ 
and cultivate, or throw into meadows, all these swamp lands; 
the execution of which would assuredly effect the great 
object contemplated. 

It now remainsj secondly, to consider briefly the means 



463 



which are within our power to carry so important a measure 
into execution. 

There are about 200,000 acres of swamp land in this dis- 
trict yet unreclaimed. The population consists of 82,000 
souls, of which 57,000 are slaves. Supposing out of this 
population there were only 20,000 effective hands for labor, 
then the ratio of acres of land to be reclaimed, to the eflec- 
tive population, would be only ten to one, which would 
impose a tax of only i^lOO a head; and to the whole popu- 
lation about two and a half to one, or only $25 a head. 

The expenses incident to embanking, clearing, and drain- 
ing, all these swamp lands, would not, on an average, be 
more than ten dollars an acre. Now the product of one 
year's cultivation of such land would more than doubly pay 
this cost. There is an encouragement held out to induce 
our citizens to undertake this noble work. Who is it that 
hesitates to contribute so small a sum as SlOO to accomplish 
so great a good ? None we presume. Let us then hope, 
that when this subject is properly examined, our citizens 
will enter upon the work with zeal, and persevere in it till 
its tinal accomplishment. The time requisite to accomplish 
this, with only one-tenth of the effective force of the 
district, would scarcely exceed four years, and 4000 
laborers might complete it in two years ! 

What incalculable blessings would flow to Charleston, to 
the state, to every individual resident in it, by such a 
change in the climate of the country, in its health, popula- 
tion, wealth, and political strength! Those rich spots, where 
solitude and death reign in gloomy terror, would then be- 
come the abode of cheerfulness and health. Those luxu- 
riant, but fatal wastes, which now fatigue the eye of the 
wanderer, would then be converted into fruitful fields, or 
clothed with perpetual verdure, and grazed by innumerable 
herds. Those fairy spots, from which we now fly as from 
the pestilence, would then become the delightful habitations 



464 

of social life, the scene of abundant harvests, and industry 
receiving; its rich reward. 

Tiie climate under which we are placed accords with 
that of the most favored countries in ihe world. The rich 
productions of Turkey in Europe, of Italy, and the south of 
France, could be all realiz -d here ; and those also of 
far-famed E^ypt may be included in this enumeration j 
for our river swamps, when reclaimed, would resemble the 
deltas of the Nile in the richness of their soil, and their 
abundant harvests. 

More might be said on this interesting subject, but we 
forbear. 

Other improvements are wanting in the district, both as 
respects the management of the poor, the encouragement of 
industry, the education of youth, (especially those whose 
parents are in indigent circumstances,) the establishment of 
agricultural associations, and the adoption of measures more 
conducive to the preservation of our forest trees, keeping 
our lands in a progressive state of improvement, by manur- 
ing them, and in raising cattle ; in short, by adopting the 
economy of the farming, in place of the waste now conse- 
quent on pursuing the planting system. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES STATE OF THE ARTS 

AND LITERATURE. 

An agricultural society has been established in the city 
of Charleston, that promises to be of extensive usefulness. 
Premiums are annually offered by this society to encourage 
experiments in agriculture ; an account of which is period- 
ically published to excite others to do so likewise, and to 
enable the country at large to enjoy the advantages thus ob- 
tained at the expense of the society. 

Nothing conduces more to the improvement of a country 
in its agricultutal interests, than the operations of such so- 
cieties, conducted upon liberal principles, and with a zea- 



465 



lous determination to persevere in Overcoming; long esta- 
blished prejudices. Men of this character deserve well ot 
their country, and should be highly commended for their 
devotion to the public good. Every citizen ought to be in- 
terested in the prosperity and improvement of the agricul- 
ture of his country. 

The mechanical arts have long and deservedly been pa- 
tronized in Charleston. Of late years the fine arts have gra- 
dually engaged the attention of our citizens. The public 
favor has been extended to the establishment of an academy 
of fine arts here, which is now filted with works <f art. 
Exhibitions annually take place, when, among the works 
of ancient and European masters, are occasionally to be seen 
some native productions of consi(ierable merit, which prove 
that our native artists only want encouragement to excel in 
their professions. Charleston has already given to the 
world an artist of great merit, Washington Alston. His 
paintings have been much admired for their natural beauty, 
richness of coloring, and strength of character. The great 
West had the highest opinion of Mr. Alston's talents. Be- 
sides being eminent as a painter, Mr, x\lston is a beautiful 
and interesting poet. Europe was long the only field 
where his genius met its reward ; Boston, we understand^ 
is now the theatre of his labors. Charleston lias not yet 
acquired that degree of taste, leisure, and wealth, which 
would enable it sufficiently to reward the exertions of the 
artist, depending altogether on his profession for support. 
It has now resident in it two or three native artists, whose 
talents merit much more attention than its citizens have yet 
been able to bestow. The historical productions of John 
Blake White, Esq. exhibit considerable genius.* Charles 

* This gentleman, with a liberality highly honorable to him, has 
presented his native state, through the medium of the legislature, two 
splendid historical paintings ; one representing the battle of the Eu- 
taws, the other the battle of New Orleans. He is now, we under- 
stand, engaged in painting the battle of Fort Moultrie, one of the most 
interesting subjects that could engage the pencil of the artist. 



466 

Prazier, Esq. displays great taste and beauty in his minia- 
tures and landscape paintings. A number of the latter have 
graced several of the principal periodical publications of the 
day. His miniatures are beautiful. These two gentlemen 
practise the art principally as amateurs. It is much to be 
regretted that where there was so much good talent it could 
not have been devoted entirely to the pursuit it excelled in. 

At a very early period of our political existence, a natu- 
ral taste for the fine arts began to exhibit itself in Charles- 
ton. Mr. Thomas Coram, soon after the revolution, exe- 
cuted a picture representing Christ receiving little children, 
(from a design of Sir Benjamin West's,) that possesses ex- 
traordinary merit. It is now a permanent and interesting 
object in the orphan-house chapel, to which institution he 
presented it. Mr. Coram had a talent for engraving also, 
in which art he made considerable advances, without hav- 
ing any one to guide his researches. Mr. Aiken, another of 
our citizens, has obtained distinction in this art to the north, 
where he settled. 

J. S. Cogdell, Esq. has contributed largely to the pro- 
gress of the fine arts of his native city, and is an amateur 
artist of much merit. To his exertions (with a few others) 
Charleston is indebted for the establishment of its academy ; 
he has made several voluntary contributions of his pencil 
to public institutions, among which are two large historical 
paintings, one representing Christ's agony in the garden of 
Gethsemane, (noticed under the head of ^'orphan house 
chapel ;") the other, Christ on the cross, which last forms 
the altar piece of the Roman Catholic church in Hazel- 
street. 

Mr. Joshua Canter was contemporary with Mr. Coram, 
and made great exertions to create a correct taste in draw- 
ing and painting among our citizens, in which he succeed- 
ed. His productions possess considerable merit. 

Robert Mills of this city is the first native American that 
Wintered on the study of architecture and engineering^in the 



United States— these he pursued under the celebrated Ls^- 
trobe, to whose talents and taste this country is so -nucb. 
iudebied, Mr. L. was a pupil of the great Smeaton.* 

In literary men, Charleston is by no means deficient. It 
has furnished the most popular historinn of the IT. Stales, Dr. 
David Ramsay, whose vvorks vvill alvvays be read with in- 
terest and pleasure. Dr. Lionel Chalmers, before the re- 
volution, gave to the public a valuable book on the soil, 
climate, weather, and general diseases of South Carolina; 
his most useful work was an essay on fever. Dr. Lining 
was one of the first experimenters in the novel subject of 
electricity, on which he correspond'-d with Dr. Franklin, 
soon after the discoveries of that celebrated man had Aston- 
ished the phiiosojihers of both hemispheres. He was the 
author of several medical works, and was the first who made 
any statistical experiments to any extent in America. Dr. 
Garden was much devoted to the scieiice of natural history 
and botany. In compliment to him the great Linna3us gave 
the name of Gardenia to one of the mo.st beautiful flowering 
shrubs in the world. He was a classic scholar. Mr. Bull 
was the first native of South Carolina, who obtained a de- 
gree in medicine. He had been a pupil of Boerhave. Vaa 

* Mr. Mills has had the honor of designing' and executing' the first 
monument erected to the father of his country, the immortal Wash- 
ington, constituted of a white marble column, the largest in the world. 
Ho has lately had the additional honor of having his design for the 
Bunkerhill monument accepted, an obelisk of massy proportions, 250 
feet high. The greatest span of arch that ever was attempted in 
any country, and executed in this, over the river Schuylkill, near 
Philadelphia, was designed by Mr. M. It is 360 feet in the chord, 
versed sine only 19 feet. The plan of the Penitentiary of New Or- 
leans a similar plan to which has been adopted by the legislature of 
Pennsylvania,) is the design of Mr. M., and possesses peculiar advan- 
tages. Mr. M. made a present, many years ago, to this state, of a plan 
of a penitentiary, to induce it to consider the propriety of adopting this 
institution into the state. 

/' L L 2 



468 

Swieten quoted him as a fellow student, and gave him the 
tide of '' the learned Dr. Bull." 

John Moultrie was the first Carolinian who obtained a 
degree of M. D. from the University of Edinburgh. 

In theology, Thomas Reese is distinguished. He wrote 
a work on the influence of religion on civil society, which, 
ays Dr. Ramsay, would have been reputable to the pen of 
Warburton ; but, coming from the woods of Carolina, and 
an unknown writer, it received not that general attention 
which it so highly merited. It procured for its author the 
degree of D. D. from Princeton college. 

The Rev. Josiah Smith was the first native of Carolina 
who obtained a degree from a college. He was a public 
preacher fifty years, and an author for forty-five. Mr. Smith 
was the only native Carolinian who was a theological author 
prior to the American vvar ; he published an octavo volume 
of sermons in 1752, and several single ones on particular 
occasions, ^all of which were well received, and are still 
highly esteemed. 

The Rev. William Tennent rendered great services to 
the state, both as a divine and a statesman. His whole soul 
Was engaged in the cause of the revolution. He wrote sun- 
dry anonymous pieces in the newspapers, stirring up the 
people to a proper sense of their duty and interest, while 
their liberties were endangered; but published nothing with 
his name but two sermons, and a speech, delivered in the 
legislature of South Carolina, on the justice and policy of 
putting all religious denominations on an equal footing. 

Much of literary talent is hid amongst us, which, if de- 
veloped, would distinguish South Carolina highly in the 
walks of literature. The love of literary fame has not yet 
roused the energies of our citizens, nor necessity stimulated 
them to procure the means of subsisience in this way. 
Among those who have favored the public with their literary 
labors, since the revolution, we may enumerate Ramsay. 



469 

Drayton, Elliott, Johnson, Garden, Shecut, Logan, and 
others. 

In forensic and political literature, the citizens of Charles- 
ton stand upon equal grounds with tlie citizens of any part 
orthe Union. John Rutledge, as a statesman and oratorj, 
is pre-eminent ; his eloquence was unrivalled. In his legal 
pursuits, instead of rising by degrees to the head of his pro- 
ession, he burst forth, as an elegant writer remarks, at 
once the able lawyer and accomplished orator. His elo- 
quence astonished all who heard him. No other man has 
been placed upon an equality, in eloquence, with Patrick 
Henry, in this part of the world, but John Rutledge. His 
talents as a statesman, were of the first order, and so highly 
were they appreciated, that, after passing through several 
public offices, he was appointed Chief Justice of the U. States. 
In the friendly competition of the states, for the compara- 
dve merits of their respective statesmen and orators, while 
Massachusetts boasted of her John Adams — Connecticut, of 
her Ellsworth — New York, of her Jay — Pennsylvania, of 
her Wilson — Delaware, of her Bayard — Virginia, of her 
Henry, — South Carolina rested her claims on the talents 
and eloquence of John Rutledge. 

Edward, the brother of Juhn Rutledge, was also distin- 
guished as an orator and statesman. His eloquence was not 
precisely of the same character with his brother's. De- 
inosthenes seemed to be the model of the one, and Cicero 
of the other. The eloquence of the elder, like a torrent, 
bore down all opposition, and controlled the passions of 
the hearers ; that of the younger, was soothing, persuasive, 
and made willing proselytes. In the practice of law, 
Edward Rutledge was directed by the most upright and 
generous principles. To advance his personal interest, 
was a secondary object ; to do good, to promote peace, to 
heal breaches, to advance justice, was a primary one. 
His powers of persuasion were not to be purchased to shield 
oppression or to support iniquity. Where he thought his cli~ 



470 

entTiaa justice on his side,he vvould go all leno;ths in vindiea- 
tins; tiis c aims ; but would not support any man, however 
liberal, in prosecuting unfounded claims, or resisting those 
that were substantially just. He abhorred the principle 
that an advocate should take all advantages for his client, 
and gain whatever be could for him, whether right or 
wrong ; or on the otber band, should assist him with all the 
quirks and quibbles whicb ingenuity can contrive, or the 
forms of law permit, for defeating or delaying the claims 
of substantial jusi ice, 

Edward Rutiedge had the honor of being one of the 
four members, who signed the declaration of independence, 
in behalf of Soutli Carolina. 

Great events call fortb great talents, and frequently 
create tbem. Revolutions rouse the entrgies of the mind, 
and compel it to deveiope its powers. To circumstances 
of this nature, associated with a good education, are we 
to ascribe that galaxy of talent and greatness, which was 
disjjlayed during the eventful years which marked the 
establishment of the independence of the states. The 
human mind requires a stiniulus to action, either of a phy- 
sical or mental nature. Of many celebrated characters 
in history we should never have heard, had no^t peculiar 
events occurred, which compelled them to deveiope all their 
energies. 

One of the greatest statesmen of the Union, was a native 
of Charleston, who, but for an untimely death, would in 
all probability, have been elected President of the United. 
Slates ; the lamented pattiot and ]jhilanthropist, William 
Lowndes. The hero of Olmutz, the devoted friend of the 
venerable Lafayette, F, K. Huger, is also a native of ti^e 
district. 



4T1 



EDTSTO ISLAND. 

HISTORY OP THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME, 

This island was settled about the beginning of the last 
oentury, principally by emigrants from Scotland and 
Wales. All the grants are dated either the last years of 
the 17th, or the first years of the 18th century. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

It is situated about forty miles to the southwest of 
Charleston; i-ounded by the Atlantic ocean on the S. E.,by 
the Edisto rivers on the N. and S , and by Da who w river 
on the N. W., which connects the waters of S. Edisto, 
or Ponpon river wjih those of the N. Edisto inlet. It 
is 12 miles long, and, in the widest part, between 4 
and 5 mile? broad ; containing 2S,81i acres, or 122 acres 
for every white person, near li for every slave, and a 
frfiction more than ten acres for every inhabitant, 

SOIL— PRODUCTIONS VALUE. 

The more elevated parts consist of a light sandy soil ; 
the low groimds or bottoms of a stiff clayey quality. 

The quantity of rice lands is iuconsi erable, and of in- 
ferior quality. In favorable years, formerl}'^, 300 barrels 
have been sent to market. These rice grounds are now 
converted into corn, and in some instances into cotton 
lands, to the great emolument of the proprietors. 

The Edisto lands are ill adapted to the growth of rice. 
The islanders turned their attention, at an early period, to 
the culture of the indigo plant. In the preparation of the 
dye, extracted from this weed, they had made considerable 
proficiency. The Edisto indigo was in greater demand, 
and sold at a higher rate than any other manufactured in 
the state In favorable yearS; 330 casks of 160 pounds 
werfe sent to market. 



472 

The demand for the Carolina indigo having greatly de- 
creased, the prices becanie so reduced as to render it 
no longer expedient to plant it. Tlie islanders, in the year 
1796, had recourse, with seenning reluctance, and great 
doubts of the result, to the cotton plant. The success 
which attended their efforts, was great. An active field 
hand, it was found, could cultivate from four acres to four 
and a half of cotton land, exchisive of one acre and a half 
of corn and ground provisions. In a favorable year, a 
planter on an extended scale, has made 270 pounds of clean 
cotton to the acre ; but his crops will average, in a period 
pf ten years, only 137 pounds to the acre. There are 
lots of land, owing eitiier to peculiar local advantages, fa- 
vorable seasons, or superior management, which have pro- 
duced the enormous amount of 43 5 pounds to the acre. 
But in no instance have any of the planters made more than 
^490 to the hand. The general result of crops is from 
^'170 to ^260 to the hand. 

The experiments that have hitherto been made on 
Edisto island, do not warrant the conclusion, that the 
green seed will ever be introduced into general cultivationj 
to the exclusion of the black seed cotton. In favorable 
years, more than 750,000 pounds of clean cotton are 
grown. This, at its common price, 50 cents per pound, 
jaelds an annual income of 325,000 dollars ; a sum which 
is equal to 11 dollars for every acre on the island, 110 dol- 
lars to every inhabitant, and 1377 dollars to every white 
person. 

PRICE OF LAND. 

The price of land varies from 30 to 60 dollars per acre. 
The quantity of arable land bears rather a restricted pro- 
portion to the number of cultivators, and hence scarcely 
any portion of it can be procured on lease. The few por- 
tions that are disposed of in this manner command a 
steady rent of six to eight dollars per acre. As every 



473 

planter employs his own handsy it is not easy to ascertain 
the price of labor. Active young fellows have been hired 
out for from 1!0 to 12S dollars for the year; and prime 
young wenches, from 64 to S5 dollars. Carpenters can 
earn Si 50 per day, exclusive of their maintenance. 

MARKET. 

Charleston is the on]}^ market to which the produce of 
this island is carried. 

GARDENING. 

The first settlers had fiourislnng orchards, and were es- 
teemed good gardeners. Their descendants, for many 
years, paid but little attention to this valuable branch of 
culture ; however, it begins to be properly appreciated ; 
for gardens of ^jeaJ beauly, v^riih groves of orange trees, 
and oi'chards of valuable fruits, are now in many places to 
be seen. 

The proximity of the 'island to Charleston, affords the 
planters an opportunity of disposing of the various produc- 
tions of their plantations, to advantage. They do not, 
however, in every case, make the most of these. 

The soil is favorable to the culture of the turnip, or green 
crops. These crops might be usefully applied to feeding, 
and fattening their superfluous stock for market, an enter- 
prise that would prove a fruitful source of emolament to 
those engaged in it. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— DEATHS. 

The climate of this island, in the winter and spring, is 
delightful. In the summer the planters retire to the sea- 
shore, to enjoy the breezes of the ocean. 

Bilious fevers, and dysenteries, are the diseases which 
chiefly prevail in the summer, and autumnal seasons. In 



474 

the Winter andl spring;, those of more local inflammation ; 
such as pneum!-nic, hepatic, and rheumatic nffections. 

A residence on the sea bavS, has lately been found to 
lessen the frequency and violence of the most destructive 
fevers. When they attack, they are often subdued by me- 
dicines, early and judiciously applied. The nature of 
these is now better understood. The success, which of 
late years has attended the physicians in cases of early 
application, has in a great measure disarmed the bilious 
fevers of summer and autumn. 

From a res;ister kept by Mr. Murray, some years ago, 
it appears, that in the course of sixteen years, there were 
among? the white inhabitants of Edisto Island, sixty-six 
marriages, 213 births, and 177 deaths, seventy-five of 
which were children, under five years of age, and fifteen 
about the age of ten ; the rest were adults, six of whom 
were strangers, eleven deaths were accidental, and one was 
8 case of suicide. Five of the above deaths were from 
consumptions : there was also a case of natural smallpox, 
of extraordinary origin. Upwards of a year before the 
birth of the child, which was the subject of this disease, 
its parents had their other children inoculated for the smalL 
pox. One of them was an infant, and occupied the cradle. 
That one died ; all the rest recovered. The bedclothes 
were washed and deposited in a drawer ; but it seems that 
they retained so much of the contagion as to communicate 
the disease, which was clearly marked, though not fatal to 
the infant, whose case is the subject of these observations. 
This child had never been off the island, on which, neither 
at the time of infection, nor for a long time after, was there 
a single case of smallpox. From the same register it ap- 
pears, that of seventy-four negro children, which Mr. Mur- 
ray had born on his plantation in the above period of sixteen 
years, fifty-three lived, thirty- three of which were females. 
The plantations of the Rev. Mr. McLeod, of Messrs. 
Ephraim Mikell, James Clark, Willianj Eddings, Daniel 



475 

Townsend, William Seabrook, William C Meggntt, Dr. 
Chisholm, Gabriel Seabrook, Norm;in MrLfu)d, and others, 
furiiish similar examples of increase. There is now a suf- 
ficient number of blacks for all the purposes of cultivation ; 
and kindness, with proper attention to their food, cloihing^ 
and habitations, will increase their number. 

This island does not furnish very remarkable instances 
of longevity ; seventy-six, seventy-three, and sixty-eight, 
are the respective ages of several of the oldest native in- 
habitants, 

STATE OF THE ROADS— TAVERNS, &c. 

It does not appear that any establisiiment similar to that 
of a tavern was ever attempted on the island ; strangprs, 
and visiters, are hospitably entertained in private families, 
and are sent about on horseback, or in carriages, as their 
circumstances or exigencies may require.*. 

To afford the means of maintaining a regular intercourse 
with the adjacent main, and the contiguous islands of Wad- 
malaw, two ferries were established about sixty-six years 
since by legislative authority ; but such was the unfrequrn- 
cy of the intercourse, that these ferries have been discon- 
tinued. Those that have occasion to go off, or come on, 
usually transport themselves, or have recourse to their 
more opulent friends, and neighbors, who may be situated 
in places favorable for their transportation. Measures are 
now however taken by the state, to construct a causeway 
and ferry, from this island to the main land. Contracts 
have been made for its execution. 

* With no uncommon pleasure does the author of this work re- 
cur to those happy hours of boyhood, which he spent among these 
hospitable islanders. He has never forgotten their kmdness and 
hospitality, and would here tender them his most grateful acknow- 
ledgments, particularly the family of liis excellent friend, William 
Seabrook, Esq, 

/ ■ ' M M J2 



476 

COMMERCE. 

The islanders carry on their intercourse altogether by 
water. In transporting themselves, and the productions of 
their plantations to Charleston, &c. rhey use boats made af- 
ter the canoe models. These boats are built of cypress, 
and other durable materials ; and are well adapted to 
the purposps of inland navigation : but ill calculated for 
encountering heavy seas. They are of various dimensions, 
from half a ton to six tons burden, and cost from one 
hundred to one thousand dollars. There are five or sis 
workmen advantageously employed in constructing and 
repairing these boats. All the eiforts of their art are di- 
rected to combine elegance of shape with lightness of 
draught, and capacity for freight. 

POPULATION. 

The white population of this island averages about 236,^ 
Of these 1 i 1 are males, and 135 females ; all either natives 
of the island or adjacent parts of the state. The births 
are to the deaths, Rnnuaily^ as thirteen to eleven. 

CATTLE, kc— VALUE. 

Steers of three years old, as they run in pasture, sell cur- 
rently at eighteen dollars ; calves at eight dollars ; lambg 
at three dollars ; turkeys at two dollars the pair ; ducks 
at one dollar the pair ; common fowls at fifty cents the 
pair. 

Two hundred steers, seventy- five calves, one hundred 
and twenty lambsj are supposed to be annually consumed 
on the island. 

FISH. 

The creeks, rivers, and seas, which indent and surround 
the island, furnish, at different am! appropriate seasons of 
the year, a great variety of excellent fish^ black, drum, 



477 

l)ass, rock-fish, sheephead, cavalH, bonnetta, salmon trout, 
yellow-fin trout, whiting, and mullet, in p^eat profusion ; 
black-fish, yellow-tail, ale-wife, croaker, plaice, flounder, 
skate, pike, shad, cat-fish, and many oihesr suitable for the 
table. Porpoi'^es and sharks frequent the creeks, and sur- 
rounding waters ; some of the latter are seen, and caught, 
of an enormous size. They are considered as just objects 
■;0f terror by the negroes; and yet although the fishermen 
continue hours together, waist deep in the water, and have 
often the misfoitune of hooking them, they escape with 
impunity. Of shellfish, the turtle is sometmies to be met 
with, but not in any very considerable number, or variety ; 
terapins, land, stone, and sea crabs, muscles, clams, conchs, 
shrimps, are common and abundant ; and the oysters of 
the creeks, that intersect the sea bays, are equal in flavor, 
perhaps, to any in the world? 

EDUCATION. 

Education, of late years, has received much attention j 
previous to, and for some time aft r, the revolutionary 
war, it was sadly neglected. Gentlemen are now employed 
at high salaries to teach the elementary parts of an English 
and classical education ; and several of the youth are at 
schools and colleges in different pans, destined for learned 
professions. The daughters are e*ducated either under the 
paternal roof, or are sent with the sons to school until a cer- 
tain age, when they visit the city boarding schools, to ac- 
quire such further instruction and accomplishments, as 
those institutions are supposed capable of conferring^ 

RELIGION, 

In their ideas of church government, the inhabitants of 
Edisto are either Presbyterians or Episcopalians. Those of 
he former denomination a^-e the most numerous. The 
date of the first organization of their church cannot with, 



478 

precision be ascertained. Its records, if any such existed 
in a connected or detailed form, were lost or destroyed du- 
ring the conflicts of the revolution. From such detached 
papers as are preserved, it appears, that Henry Bower ob- 
tained in, 1705, a grant of aCO acres, from the then lords 
proprietors : tliis same tract of 300 acres, the said Henry 
Bower conveyed in 1"17 to certain persons,therein named, 
in trust, for the benefit of a presbyterian minister on Edisto 
island. 

The Episcopalians here were originally connected in 
worship and discipline, with the parish church of John's 
island, and had divine service performed forthexn on Edis- 
to island at occasional intervals. Being liable to various 
disappointments in their expectations this way, they were 
led to separate from that clnirch. In effecting their separa- 
tion, they built in 1774, by subscription, a n-at and com- 
modious chapel : and some time after created a permanent 
fund, for the support of their ministers. The zeal and 
libtrality displayed by them on these occasions, consider- 
ing ihe paucity of their number, reflects great crediton the 
parties concernedo 

A congregation of Baptists existed on this island at ao 
early period of its settlement. The members of that de- 
nomination are either extinct, or removed. The site of 
their church, in which divine service was, for the last time, 
performed in 1774, is now in a state of forest. The glebe, 
con?istiqg of about 70 acres, partly in a state of nature, and 
partly cultivated, yields a revenue of about i^70 yearly. 
This rent is regularly transmitted to certain persons at the 
Euhaws, of the baptist persuasiori. 

AMUSEMENTS, 

There is nothinsr peculiarly characteristic in the amuse- 
nients of these island-rs. They are similar to those which 
obtain in various parts of the state. The sports of the field 



479 

engross a part of their vacant hours. The ranj>'e,the crowd- 
ed settlements, and cleared state wf the ishsnd, render it un- 
favorable to the pursuits of the hunter ; and deer, finding no 
eopse to cover them, may now be said to be no li)nger in- 
habitants. Should any stragglers rashly venture to stroll 
from the neighboring main and suri'ounding islets, they 
are instantly hunted down. Similar causes may have ope- 
rated to drive and scare away those migratory and aquatic 
birds, which, at the e;irly period of its settlement, were 
known annually to frequent the island in great vt^riety and 
numbers. The culture of rice being abando'ied, and a con- 
sidei-able part of the low grounds drained, they are deprived 
of their favorite grain, or an adequate supply of seeds and 
insects ; being averse to the haunts of men, they instinc- 
tively retire to those parts of the country where they can 
feed more privately, plentifully and securely. 

WASTE LAND SWAMP- 

There are marshes of a different description from the salt 
marshes, and of more limited extent here ; but far more 
injurious in their effects. Of these a body of 150 acres is 
situate towards the centre, and probably an equal quantity 
in other parts of the island. Into these marshes high spring 
tides occasionally penetrate. They may be considered as 
receptacles of stagnant rain, and brackish water, of decayed 
vegetable, and putrid animal substances. From this exten- 
sive surface of putrescent matters, it may be well supposed 
that gases of a most deleterious nature are incessantly evolv- 
ing, which sensibly affect the mass of surrounding air, and 
render it morbid. 

If any effectual plan could he adopted to render Edisto 
island generally healthy, its inhabitants would enjoy a much 
greater proportion of the good things of this life than ordi- 
narily falls to the lot of man. Much good might confi- 
deiitlv be expected from draining its fresh water low 
grounds. ^Experience proves that in all countries where 



480 

thia has been properly done an abatement of summer an4 
•au'um'ial fevtrs has invariably followed ; and on the rdn- 
trary, that healthy places have become sickly, when, from 
neglect or otherwise, they have been suffered to degenerate 
intij rfceptacles of filth and putrefaction. The marshes in 
the inteiior parts shuuld be first reclaimed, and the good 
work never be discontinued until the whole' island, as far as 
practicable, presents a dry, or at least an improved, whi le- 
some surface. Till this is accomplished, trees of quick 
growth should be planted between the mansions of the 
planters and the adjacent low grounds. 

]Much might be done for the improvement of the health 
of the island, by the use of rain instead of well-water for 
drinking purposes. That which descends from the heavens 
in form of rain, if collected and preserved in cisterns^ 
would be infinitely better than the water found in wells. 

The inhabitants of Edisto island might, at a moderate 
expense, thus procure for domestic purposes a sufficiency 
©f wholesome and agreeable water, 

MISCELLANEOUS, 

The yam, or sweet potato, is more extensively cultivated 
on Edisto island than perhaps in any other part of the state. 
They are a most valuable root, and deserve more of the 
attention of the planter, as an article of provision, than is 
oommonly paid them. An acre manured as a cow-pen, or 
otherwise, has produced, and may be made at any time to 
produce 300 bushels of SO weight each, or 24,000 weight 
to the acre, in the crude or raw state. As they lose but 
little in the customary process of dressing, this result may 
be considered as accurate ; and hence we have an acre pro- 
ducing 24,000 pounds of solid food. Estimating five pounds 
as sufficient not only to support a man, but to keep him in 
health and fit for labor, we have 4800 persons fed from one 



481 

acre for one day, or 14 persons during the course of the 
year. 

Irish potatos are not planted in any quantity or extent 
They are chiefly cultivated for the table. The negroes are 
averse to their use, and can hardly be prevailed upon to 
receive them as a substitute for the sweet potato. Th*ire is 
something in the climate, soil, or manner of cubivating 
them that renders them less palatable, dry and mealy, than 
those imported from the eastern states and Ireland, 

Ground nuts are sui generis. They thrive best in alight 
sandy soil, and produce 80 bushels to the acre. They are 
commonly sold for one dollar the bushel, but in 1768 the 
same quantity sold for 17 cents. 

Standing provisions consist chiefly of that variety of 
the maize which is distinguished by the name of flint corn. 
An acre produces from 15 to 25 bushels. The quantity 
grf>wn is not very considerable. In ordinary years it is 
barely adequate to the consumption of the island. It rarely 
happens that a superfluity is made to send to market ; but 
such is the provident disposition of some of the planters 
that they often keep on hand a supply of corn sufficient for 
the consumption of two years. The corn blades are care- 
fully cured, and preserved as a substitute for hay ; for which 
purpose they are admirably well adapted. The intervals 
between the corn-hills are generally planted with cow-pease, 
but not often to any advantage. The season of harvesting 
them coincides with that of picking cotton ; they are there- 
fore suffered to waste to rescue from immediate destruction 
the more valuable production of the cotton fields, 

ST. STEPHENS' PARISH. 

SETTLEMENT. 

The upper and lower parts of the parish were originally 
di-*tioguished by the names of French and English Santee. 
WhatXs now St. Stephens was called English Santee. 



BOUNDARIES. 

This parish is situate about fifty miles to the N. W. of 
Chsrlcston, and i^ bounded by th- Santee on theN. E., by 
St. John's on the S- W., and by St. James, Sani^^e, on the 
S. E. It was originally a part of St. James, and was divid- 
ed from it about the year 1740. 

PllOUUCTIONS. 

The inhabitants of St. Stephens began to cultivate indigo 
as early as the year 1754, and wirh much success, particu- 
larly in Santee river swamp, until the year 1784. 

At present there are many vvaste old fields, both high 
lands, and river swamp, which, thirty years ago, were in 
the highest state of cultivation, producing luxuriant crops 
of corn, indigo, and rice. This melancholy reverse is the 
eifect of freshets, no measures being taken to bank in the 
river lands from the flood. 

These lands are uncommonly fertile, and were successfully 
cultivated till the year 17S4. From that year to 1795, very 
little was raised near the Santee. JS'Iany of the planters, 
discouraged by a rapid succession of freshets, abandoned the 
plantations subject to their influence. Since 1796, the fresh- 
ets have diminished in frequency and height ; and the plan- 
ters have recommenced there the culture of corn, rice, and 
cotton. The ground is formd to answer for the latter so 
well; that extraordinary crops are made. 

TILLAGES. 

The village of Pmeville is in this parish, and contains 
twent5'^-two dwelling-houses. It forms a retreat for health 
in summer and autumn. It be2;an to be settled in 179-4, and 
lies about fifty-two miles to the north of Charleston. It is 
situate on a level piece of pine land, five miles to the S. 
W, of Santee river, and two miles from the swamp, which 
here extends three miles from the river. The white popu- 



483 

ktion of Pineville is 150 ; the number of blacks about 300. 
The water is procured from wells from fourteen to eighteen 
feet deep, very excellent, cold, and soft, being filtered 
through white gravel and sand. 

REMARKABLE SEASONS. ' 

The parish of St. Stephens had its full share of the ca- 
lamities resulting from the hurricanes of 1804 and 1822. 
From minor storms it has also sufiered ; one of the most 
remarkable and injurious was on the 6th of June, 1800, A 
cloud appeared to the N. W. with thunder ; shortly after, 
a storm came up with great violence, but without rain. 
The cloud had a redness like fire, and the dry dust thrown 
up was dreadful. The wind prostrated the fences. The 
growing cotton was materially injured ; its color changed to 
brown, and the tops were withered and blackened- In St. 
Matthews the storm was equally violent, and blasted the 
corn and pease. The peach and plum-tree leaves had a 
dusty, black appearance. The weeds and grass were also 
discolored. During the storm the wind appeared to have 
a heat like the blast of a fire at a distance. The mercury, 
from being up at 96° at one o'clock, fell, in less than five 
hours, to 76° 

TIMBER TREES. 

There are on an average from 100 to 150 pine trees on 
an acre of ground. Their ages vary ; but in general they 
live about 200 years. If we may judge by their surround- 
ing rings, a few approach their 400th year. 

LONGEVITY. 

A few of the natives, and resident inhabitants, are be- 
tween sixty and seventy — Edward Thomas lived ninety 
years ; ^ore than one half of which was spent in St. Ste • 

N N S 



484 

phens. The parish is not remarkable for the longevity of 
its inhabitants, but there have been five, six, seven, 
and eight children raised in some families within the last 
thirty years. 

MANUFACTURES. 

Domestic manufactures have increased. Some of the 
planters clothe their negroes with homespun, and manufac- 
ture coarse cloth from inferior cotton for bagging. 

POPULATION. 

In the beginning of the year 1784, St. Stephens was one 
ol the most thriving parishes in the state ; and, in propor- 
tion to its size, was the richest. The parish then had 
about 5000 negroes in it ; but at present it does not 
contain half that number. The white population has 
also diminished in a similar proportion. In 1776, '77, 
"78, the militia company mustered 100 men under arms j 
but there are now not above forty, exclusive of alarm 
men. 

CATTLE. 

The stocks of cattle belonging to individuals rarely ex- 
ceed 150. Few own more than fifty head cf sheep. 

FISH. 

Santee river is well stored with fish, particularly the trout, 
and the bream. There are aiso cat-fish, mud-fish, rock-fish 
and sturgeon. The inland creeks and ponds produce trout, 
perch, and bream. 

HDUCATION. 

Pineville contains an academy where the Latin and En- 
glish languages are taught. The master has a salary of 
twelve hundred dollars per annum, and a house. The 



485 

school is confiaed to thirty scholars ; rates of teaching fifty 
dollars per annum for subscribers' children, and sixty dol- 
lars for nonsubscribers, paid half pearly in advance. This 
academy is incorporated, and under the superintendence 
of five trustees. The tutor is permitted to take boarders, 
not to exceed sixteen, and is restrained from demanding 
more than one hundred ^lollars per annum. There are also 
two private schools in the same place for the tuition of the 
smaller children. 

RELIGION. 

St. Stephens has a large brick church, built in 1769, and 
a wooden chapel. There have been four clergymen in the 
parish since the peace of 1783; first, the Rev. Mr. John 
Hurt ; second, the Rev. Mr. Farrel ; third, the Rev. Mr. 
O'Farrel ; fourth, the Rev. Mr. Connor. The first was 
from Virginia, and the other three from Ireland. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Col. Maham, who distinguished himself in the revolu- 
tionary war, was a native of this parish ; and was descend- 
ed from Swiss ancestors, who settled here early in the ISth 
century. He was possessed of good natural talents as a mi- 
litary man. At the taking of Fort Watson, on Scot's lake, 
Gen. Marion gave him the sole direction in carrying on 
the approaches, and the erection of a battery for overshoot- 
ing the British fort. At the taking of the fort at Mottes, 
above Bellville, by Gen. Marion, Col. M. carried on the 
approaches to the works. Both these enterprises were 
crowned with complete success. Major Pinckney, who 
examined the works after the surrender of the fort, declared 
that they were constructed with as much correctness as if 
they had been planned by the most experienced engineer. 
The British thought so well of him, that they made him an 
offer of a regiment, if he would join them. Col. Maham 



486 

behaved very gallantly in sundry skirmishes, and particularly 
^t Watboo, and Quinly bridges. 

St. Stephens is the birthplace of John Gaillard, the late 
senator, and for many years president pro tem. of the 
senate of the United States. 

Robert Marion, representative of Charleston district, in 
the congress of the United States, and Theodore Gaillard, 
formerly speaker of the house of representatives of this 
state, at present one of the judges of the circuit court of 
law, both belonged to this parish. 

AMUSEMENT. 

Dancing is the chief amusement here. There are gene- 
rally from two to three balls in the week, during the season 
of residence in Pineville, given nearly in rotation, by 
the families, with little ceremony and expense ; but with 
great decorum and propriety, never continuing later than 
1 1 o'clock. 

INDIANS. 

Persons now living remember that there were about 
thirty Indians, (a remnant of the Pedee and Cape Fear 
tribes,) that lived in the parishes of St. Stephens, and 
St. Johns : — King Johnny was their chief. There was 
another man among them of the same tribe, who was call- 
ed Prince. Governor Lyttlelori, gave him a commission 
of captain general and commander in chief, of the two 
tribes. Johnny took um )rage at his promotion, and at- 
tempted to kill him. Tiiere were some shots exchanged^ 
but no mischief done. The neighbors interfered and made 
peace ; but there never was afterwards any cordial friend- 
ship between them. These ancient tribes are now all ex- 
tinct, except one woman of the half breed. There are seve- 
ral Indian mounds, in the neighbourhood of Pineville ; 



487 

some have been opened, and fragments of bones and beads 
found in them. 

STONES — ROCKS. 

There is a quarry of stone on a piece of high landj 
about a mile from Pineville. It is a hard brown stone, 
very heavy, and has the appearance of iron ore. CoL 
Senf used some of this kind of stone for part of the locks 
of the Santee canal. Nothing like it has yet been found in 
the low country of Carolina. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

St. Stephens was not the scene of any very important 
action during the war. John Palmer, sen., and Joseph 
Palmer, the first 6G, the last 50 years old, were taken 
prisoners in May, 1781, out of the house of the former, by 
a party of tories, carried to the British post at Biggin 
church, and both confined for three days in the family 
vault of the Colletons. The reason assigned by the cap- 
tors for this treatment was, that John Palmer, sen., had 
two sons performing military duty with General Ma- 
rion. 

In thr Indian war of 1715, St. Johns, and St. Stephens 
parishes were the frontiers of the province. In or near 
them were three forts ; the first on Cooper river, about 
3 or 4 miles below M; ink's corner, on the plantation of 
Mr. Thomas Bruughton, called Mulberry ; the second on 
Mr. Daniel Ravenel's plantation, called Wantoot ', the 
third on the plaiitation of Mr. Izard, called Schinskins, on 
the Santee river. The gariisons at Schinskins, were all 
massacred, in con» quence of their own imprudence, in 
permitting a number of Indiftns to enter the fort, under 
the cloak of peace and friendship. They concealed their 
tomahawks in their blankets, and when they got in, they 
feutchered the whole of the garrison except one negro, who 



488 

jumped over the fort. He ran to the garrison at Wantoot, 
and gave the alarm. Col. Hyme, who was in that fort, 
advanced with a party, surprised the same body of Indians 
in the fort, and killed the whole of them. They were un- 
guarded, and engaged in feasting. In this situation they 
were surprised, and cut to pieces, Col. Hyme, who 
commanded on this occasion, was the grandfather of the 
late Major Hyme, 

A similar act of perfidy, on the part of the Indians, was 
committed about the same time, a little above the Eutaws, 
at a place Cdlled Barker's Savannah. The commanding 
officer, Col. Barker, from whose defeat the scene of action 
acquired its name, was drawn into .an ambuscade by the 
treachery of an Indian, named Wateree Jack, who pre- 
tended friendship, and allured the white people into a 
snare. In this action David Palmer was killed, and Ed- 
ward Thomas, the great grandfather of the two Dr. Tho- 
mas's, was wounded. The cruelties and perfidies of the 
Indians excited resentments in the minds of the settlers, 
which led to deeds unworthy of a civilized people. 

Pineville has been generally healthy. There have been 
in it but few cases of fever, chiefly in the month of July. 
Seldom any regular intermiltents originate there. Those 
who expose themselves in visiting their plantations on the 
river, occasionally suffer in consequence of their impru- 
dence. There was a fever in the summer of 1808, which 
proved fatal to six negroes in Pineville, and eleven on 
the adjoining plantations ; but scarcely affected white 
people. The symptoms of this fever were a violent head- 
ache, and pain in the back ; the pulse low, the tongue of 
a brown, or deep red color, and when put out, trembled 
much ; a great weakness and delirium generally attend- 
ed. The most successful mode of treatment was to give, 
in the first instance, one or two emetics, and afterwards 
camphor, nitre, and small snakeroot. When the patient 



489 

was very low, wine freely given seemed to be of the 
greatest service. Bark was injurious. Few old negroes 
took the disease. 



CHESTER. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

The settlement of this part of the country was as early as 
1750, principally by emigrants from Pennsylvania and 
Virginia : after the peace of Paris, in ' 763, a considerable 
accession of emigrants from Ireland took place, which in- 
creased for several years ; so that the major part of the 
inhabitants of this district may be said to be descended 
from the Irish. 

Chester was named after the county in Pennsylvania 
from whence the first settlers emigrated. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Chester is one of the upper districts of the state, and lies 
within what is geologically termed the granite region. It 
IS bounded west by the Broad river, (which runs a course 
a little to the west of north, and in a straight line nearly 
ISi miles,) which divides it from Union ; on the north by 
a straight line, beginning at a point on Broad river, one 
mile below Pinckney's ferry, and running nearly due 
east about 32 miles, until it intersects the Catawba river, 
in Major Green's plantation, S or 10 chains above the 
mouth of a branch called Frenel branch, which divides it 
from York district ; on the east by the Catawba river, (run- 
ning a south course nearly 18| miles in a straight line.) 
which divides it from Lancaster ; on the south by Fairfield, 
from which it is divided by a straight line, beginning at the 
m<juth of Rocky creek, and running nearly due west 30 



490 

miles, or until it intersects Broad river, a few yards below 
the mouth of Sandy river. The average length of the dis- 
trict is 31 miles, and breadth 18^ miles. It coiitains 
361,600 acres. 

NATURE OP THE SOIL PRODUCTS MARKET. 

The soil of this district embraces every variety, from 
sand to rock, but the largest proportion is what may be 
called clay, at least a substratum of clay, with a covering 
of vegetable matter, more or less mixed with primitive 
substances. The ridges between the water-courses are 
generally sandy, with a thin soil. The low grounds present 
a rich loam, some parts very stony. There is not much 
small gravel. 

The whole of this district fit for cultivation is well adapt- 
ed to the growth of corn, wheat, rye, oats, and in short, all 
grains ; but owing to the wretched state of its agriculture, 
the small grains are not a profitable crop. Cotton grows 
well on all lands suited to its growth ; also flax, hemp, to- 
bacco, &c. Pease, beans, and all the esculent tribe thrive 
well. 

Corn and cotton are the only crops run upon, (as it is 
termed,) or are staples : wheat rye, &c. are considered as 
iocidental, no calculations being made upon them. 

No rotation of crops is established further than answers 
the immediate view of the planter. 

Corn may be said to average, on first, second, and third 
quality lands, 15, 25, and 35 bushels per acre. The average 
price for the last ten years, may be rated at between 75 
and 90 cents per bushel ; the last year it was as low as 35 
cents. Some good land will yield 75 bushels per acre. 

Cotton will average on the same quality of land, 4, 6, and 
SOO pounds per acre, although some lands will produce 
1500 to 2000 pounds per acre. In 1824, Wm. H. Gibbs, 
Esq. gathered upwards of 1400 pounds from one acre, 
though the land was not rich, but well cultivated. 



401 

The average price of cotton for the last five years, may 
be rated as neating to the planter, about 11 cents per pound, 
prepared for market. The proportion of clean cotton to 
that in seed is as three of the latter to one of the former. 

Columbia now takes a large share of the business of this 
district ; Charleston being very seldom resorted to as a mar- 
ket for the sale ot its produce. 

VALUE OF LAND DIVISION OF PROPERTY. 

Lands in this district are valued, according to quality, 
from $2 to i^20 per acre. Property is generally very equally 
divided, as much so as could be expected from the nature 
of things ; none very rich, and none very poor. 

The lands through a great portion of the district are 
mostly a red, sometimes a bluish, clay ; apparently of pri- 
mitive formation. The whole country is a continued suc- 
cession of hill and dale. The soil from the sides of these 
hills, when cultivated, soon washes down into the valleys, 
and leaves them barren. 

It would be well if our farmers were to adopt the Dutch 
custom in Pennsylvania and Maryland, to leave the tops of 
the hills in wood, and clear the bottoms. 

DISTRICT TOWN. 

Chesterville is the seat of justice of the district, and is 
situate upon the dividing ridge, between the waters of 
Broad and Catawba rivers, at the head of the east branch 
of Sandy river. In a direct line it is 48 miles N. 17° W. 
of Columbia, lat. 34° 37' 4S"; long. 0° 12' 00" west of the 
same. The town has a very romantic appearance as you ap- 
proach it. A learned traveller has likened it to one of those 
strong places used in the feudal times of Ireland, when tenants 
built around the tower of their lord to claim his protection: 
with/this difference, that here was no moated tower, no tv- 



492 

rannyj and no oppression. It is a little St. Marino, and on 
it dwell fit citizens for such a place, good and intelligent 
republicans. The town is erected upon the top of a small 
hill — the houses crowded together, very neat, and some oi' 
them elegant. 

The grounds about Chesterville slope, in the manner of 
a glacis, on all sides ; and the woods are cleared around it 
about the range of cannon shot. The village contains twenty- 
five dwelling-houses, a handsome court-house and jail, and 
a male and female academy of respectable standing. 

LAKES, RIVERS5 CREEKS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

The Broad river is now navigable the whole extent of the 
district. The Catawba is also, except at the point now 
under improvement by the state, at or near Rocky mount; 
which, when finished, will make the navigation of this no- 
ble river complete, from near the foot of the Alleghany 
mountains to the ocean. 

None of the creeks are navigable ; the great rapidity of 
their current prevents this. The names of the principal 
interior water courses are, Rocky, Fishing, Turkey, and 
Sandy rivers ; all which have numerous branches ; the two 
first are waters of Catawba, the latter of Broad river. 

The falls of Catawba are a great natural curiosity. They 
lie in this district just opposite Mount Dearborne, where 
the United States* government began to form a military 
pastj but afterwards abandoned it. * ■ • ' 

FRICE OF LABOR— -EXPENSE OF LIVING. 

Good laboring hands are hired at gSO a year and found ; 
or by the day at fifty cents. The price of labor is fluctuat- 
ingj being regulated by the price of cotton. The expenses 

*UttdeT the head of Natural History of the state, will be found a 

panlculer notice #f these Falk 



of living are very moderate in families, never exceeding 
gSO a year ; the rates of boarding at taverns about j^lOO per 
annum. The price of beef is four cents a pound, pork five 
cents, bacon ten cents, 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY. 

The climate here is very variable in winter. The ther- 
mometer in summer ranges generally between S3 and 88 
degreeSo Along the water-courses fevers prevail in summers 
but generally through the district it may be considered 
healthy. Several instances occur of persons living over 
eighty years, some exceeding one hundred. 

POPULATION— TAXES—KEPRESENTATIONo 

The census, taken five years ago, gives to this district 
14,189 inhabitants; namely, 9,611 whites, 4,542 slaves^ 
and 36 free blacks. The increase in the interval must be 
considerable, not only from natural causes, but by emigra= 
tlons from other states, and the lower parts of this state. 
Emigrations from the district have been rare lately, though 
some few occasionally occur to the states of Alabama, Geor- 
gia, and Mississippi. 

The taxes paid by this district into the treasury, the last 
year, amounted to iS5, 132 6fL 

Chester sends three representatives and one senator to the 
state legislature. 

EDUCATION— SCHOOLS— PUBLIC5 PRIVATE AND FREE» 

Schools are very common through the district. The sub« 
ject of education commands much attention. An academy 
for teaching male and female youth in the higher brancheSj 
is established at the village, and has able teachers. 

By the munificence of the state, the poor have the means 
provided for the education of their children. Not less than 



494 

between three and four hundred dollars are annually ex- 
pended in this way here. The two last years 259 children 
received the rudiments of education, and this excellent sys- 
tem is still pursued. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Colonel Lacy, who so highly distinguished himself in the 
battles of Hanging Rock, King's Mountain, and Black- 
stocks, belongs to this district. He was a cool and intrepid 
officer, and rendered important services to the state. 

RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Presbyterians are the most numerous religious sect 
in this district, and next to these are the Methodists, then 
the Baptists. The habits and education of the people, 
make this one of the most religious and orderly districts 
in the state. 

3!fUMBER OF POOR— EXPENSE— BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB, LU- 
NATIC PERSONS. 

The number of poor, supported by the charity of the 
district, amounts annually to twenty-five ; their expenses 
to j^l400. The number of blind 15 ; deaf and dumb 7 ; 
lunatics 3. 

MANUFACTURES. 

None carried on in the district, except in the domestic 
way= : 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES— MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

The few pines found in this district are what are called 
the short leaf pine ; but the most common native trees 
are, the various kinds of oak, walnut, beech, poplar, &c. 
The apple, peach, pear, and plum, thrive well, though 
no attention is paid to forming orchards of them. Cotton 



495 

so completely, absorbs the attention of the people, that eve* 
ry tbing else is neglected. The materials now used for 
building houses, are chiefly pine and oak ; though abun» 
dance of fine stone is found in various parts of the district, 
and excellent clay for making brick. Both of these how- 
ever are gradually getting into use. Mr. Rice (on the 
road leas ing from the court-house to Symnes' ferry, on 
Broad river) has set a good • xacnple, by having the base- 
ment wall of his house built of cut stone, executed in the 
handsomest manner. 

If our planters would adopt the practiceof erecting their 
houses of stone, or brick, it would secure the permanent 
settlement of their farms, induce their further improve- 
ment, and check the Sjjirit of emigration. 

ROCKS— GRANITE, FREE, SOAP, AND OTHER STONE- 
MINERALS. 

This district abounds with the finest granite and soap- 
stone. The canal locks, both on Broad and Catawba ri- 
vers, are executed in granite of the most beautiful and sub- 
stantial kind. 

No minerals or metals have yet been discovered in the 
district. 

FISH— GAME— BIRDS, xMIGRATORY OR OTHERWISE, 
The fish in the waters of this district are, the shad, (in 
season,) redhorse, trout, cat-fish, eel, perch, round-fish, or 
sucker, with several others. The game are, the deer and 
fox, besides the rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, and opos- 
sum, which are plenty. The shad leave the rivers in the 
fall, and return in the spring. 

The birds are those common to this state. 

NAMES OP PLACES AND THEIR ORIGIN, INDIAN OR 
OTHERWISE. 

Maunt Dearborne, was named in honor of Gen. Dear- 
borne, secretary of war, who was at the laying out of the 



496 

military establishment already noticed, near Rocky Mount. 
The place is now commonly known by the name of the 
United States Establishment. 

The Catawba derives its name from the tribe of Indians 
who were (and a remnant of which still are) located on 
this river. A small an^le of their land juts into this dis- 
trict. This is the only Indian name retained here, which 
is much to be regretted. How unfortunate were the preju- 
dices of our forefathers, which induced them to despise the 
poor aboriginals of the country, and refuse to recognise their 
names of places! How much more interesting would these 
names have been to us, than most of those which have su- 
perseded them ! and they would eventually have assumed 
a classic character, from their poetical pronunciation. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

[See Beaufort District.] 



CHESTERFIELD. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

This district was originally settled by emigrants from 
Virginia and Pennsylvania, about the year 1745. At that 
time it formed a part of Craven county, afterwards of Che= 
raw precincts ; and now constitutes in itself an independent 
judicial district. In honor of the Earl of Chesterfield the 
district was named. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT, 

Chesterfield constitutes one part of the northern boundary 
of the state, being div ided from North Carolina by a straight 
line, (part of that run out in 1764,) commencing at or near 
Barker's ferry, on the great Pedee river, and reaching over 
Ijy a due west course, (according to the original survey,) 
until it intersects Big Lynch's creek, about a mile and a 
half above the mouth of Buffalo creek, thence down 
Lynch's creek to Tiller's ferry, a little below the junction 



497 

af Little Lynches creek, (which divides it from Lancaster and 
Kershaw,) thence by a line drawn N. 51°45' E. over to the 
head of the south prong of Cedar creek, and down this 
®reek to its junction with the Pedee river, (which divides 
it from Darlington district,) thence up the Pedee river to 
the place of beginning. 

Chesterfield will average in length 31 miles, and in 
breadth 26 ; and contains about 515,840 square acres. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL— PRODUCTS— VALUE. 

A large proportion of this district presents pine barren 
sand hills, not worth cultivation, except when intersected 
hy streams ; where a little good soil is found. Along the 
northern boundary the lands incline towards the clay^-y and 
stony kind, and present a rolling surface. The river lands 
are of a rich soil, as also those bordering the creeks, in 
proportion to their extent. 

Cotton, corn, potatoes, wheat, rye, and oats, are the chief 
products. The first is the staple of the district, and sells 
generally at from 10 cents to 12i cents a pound ; corn, from 
50 to 75 cents a bushel ; wheat, from gl to 1 25, and oats, 
372 to 50 cents. 

PRICE OP LAND— DIVISION OP PROPERTY— PRICE OF LABOR- 
EXPENSES OF LIVING. 

The best uplands sell for from 8 to .^iO per acre; the river 
lands, and the first quality creek lands, from 30 to ^50 ; 
the pine lands, according to circumstances, rate at from 20 
cents to 1^1 50. Property is not very equally divided in 
this district. 

The price of labor is from 8 to ^10 per month, and the 
expenses of living about the same. 

DISTRICT AND OTHER TOWNS— VILLAGES. 

The seat of justice is called after the district, Chesterfield, 
and is located on the south side of Thomson's creek, a 
braiych of the Pedee river, in north latitude 34° 42' 33" and 
east longitude from Columbia, 1° 50' 30"„ It contains about. 



100 inhabitants, 12 houses, and 2 stores. The village has a 
very neat and rural appearance, the inhabitants having very 
judiciously suffered a grove of the native trees to remain in 
the rear of the court-house. 

A handsome brick court-house is now building here. 

Cheraw is the chief place of business of the district, being 
the market for all the produce raised in the country round. 
It was the first settlement for business made in this section 
of the state. Old Col. Kershaw established a store here 
about the same time he did in Camden and Granby. 
Though much business in a private way was then d ne, 
yet the place did not grow into a town until within the last 
six years ; since this period it has progressed with singular 
rapidity, and now contains about 150 dwelling houses, and 
12 or 1300 inhabitants. It is situate on the west side of 
Pedee i^ver, on a plain, which rises 100 feet above the river, 
in about half a mile. Its trade with the back country of 
North Carolina is becoming extensive. Its cotton trade 
alone is about 20,000 bales per annum ; mostly drawn from 
that quarter. A steam-boat navigation extends up to the 
town, and two of these vessels, (sometimes three,) besides a 
number of bay-boats, are regularly employed in the trade to 
Charleston and Georgetown. A bridge is built over the 
river at this place, which is covered in from the weather. 
The great western post road now passes through Cheraw; and 
a line of stages runs each way three times a week, and one 
to Georgetown once a week. 

Two weekly papers are printed here, and great promise 
is held out that this town will become as eminent for the 
encouragement of literature and the useful arts, as for com- 
merce. Several societies are in embrj^o, and much intelli- 
gence concentrated here. 

STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

The Pedee is navigable to Cheraw, (120 miles from the 
o.cean,) for large steam-boats. From Cheraw to the North 



499 

Carolina line, nine miles, there is a fall on a regular inclin- 
ed plane of eighteen feet ; above that line, the rapids ex- 
lend to the narrows, (about seventy miles by water,) where 
the fall is very great. Above this the river is represented 
as favorable for a small boat navigati';n. Lynch's, Thomp- 
son's, and Black creeks could be easily made navigable for a 
considerable distance up 5 the chief obstructions being com- 
posed of logs. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES. 

Pitch-pine is common tlirough three-fourths of the south- 
ern part of the district. In the northern parts, oak, hickory, 
ash, poplar, &:c. prevail. The fruit-trees are the peach and 
apple, which are in great variety, and of a good quality. 

CLIMATE—DISEASES— INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY. 

The greatest portion of this district is healthy, lying prin- 
cipally in the sand-hill region. The climate is pleasant, and 
free from bilious fevers, except adjacent to the river low 
grounds. 

There are several instances of pei'sons living over one- 
hundred years. 

MANUFACTURES, DOMESTIC OR OTHERWISE. 

The most of the farmers clothe themselves with their 
own manufactures, but make none for sale. T 

OCCUPATION OF THE INHABITANTS, 

The planting interest is the most extensive. The num- 
ber of merchants is between fifty and sixty ; mechanics, of 
every calling, 150 ; and about six physicians, besides the 
usual proportion of lawyers, &c. 

POPULATION— TAXES— REPRESENTATION. 

The population now exceeds what was enumerated in the 
/ p p 2 



500 

census of 1S20, by at least 1000, or more. This census 
gave the following numbers : 4412 whites, 2062 slaves,. 7l 
free blacks — total 0,645. The population of Chesterfield, 
at the present time, in round nunsbers, may be stated at 
about SOOO. The taxes paid by this disir'ct, during the last 
year, amounted to ^2,910 5y. It sends two represeniatives 
to tJie legislature, and one senator. 

FISH— G AM E— BIRDS, 

The shad, in season, are cai-ght in the Pedee river, be- 
sides the trout, bream, cat-fish, eel, pv rch, round-fish, or 
sucker, red horse, with some others. Of game, there are 
the d^er, fox, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, opossum, &c. The 
birds are wild turkeys, pigeons, ducks, geese, and others 
usual to the country. 

NUMBER OF POOR— EXPENSE— DISTILLERIES. 

There are about twenty paupers in this district ; the ex- 
pense of supporting them amounts to g)300. Of distilleries 
there are from eight to ten, Jrom fruit. 

NUMBER OF BLIND— DEAF AND DUMB— LUNATICS. 

One blind, no deaf and dumb, and one lunatic person, 
in the district. 

EDUCATION— PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

Education is improving in the district. An academy has 
been established at Cheraw. The private schools are partly 
assisted from the public fund ; that is, the appropriation 
made annually by the legislature for the education of poor 
children, is used to pay the tuition of such poor children as 
are placed at the private schools. The return of the com- 
missioners of free-schools, for the last year, gives 497 pu- 
pils, under a course of education, at an expense of ^650, 
which, at the same time, assisted seventeen private schools. 



501 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The religious sects, in point of numbers, are in the fol- 
lowing order :— Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, and a 
few Episcopalians. A church was built very early after 
the first settlement of the country at Cheraw, which was 
occupied by the Episcopalians first, then by the Baptists, 
who have lately repaired if ; but it is considered as a free 
church, for the use of all denominations of Christians, 

NAMES OF PLAGES, INDLVN OR OTHERWISE. 

Cherav/ was originally the name of the tribe of Indians 
who inhabited this section of country, and from them the 
town was named. An attempt was some time ago made to 
change its name to that of Chatham, but failed. Cheraw 
was famous for its bacon, of which it shipped large quanti- 
ties to Charleston. 

The Pedee river is the only stream that has retained its 
Indian name ; all the others are of English derivation, 

ROCKS, GRANULE, FREESTONE, &c.— MATERIALS FOR 
BUILDING. 

The upper part of this district lies within the granite re- 
p-ioa : therefore, an abundance of this kind of rock is to be 
found there. The asbestos, which is incombustible, and ca= 
pable of beiag drawn into threads, and formed into a re- 
semblance of cloth, has been found near the head waters of 
Lynch's creek, as also a quality of slate, very good, near 
the same place. There is also freestone in the district^ 
though no limestone, or other cglcareous matter. Abun- 
dance of good materials are to be obtained here for building, 
besides what are furnished from the forests. The clay is 
excellent for making brick, but the valuable material, limey 
has to be brought from a great distance j either from George- 
town^ or from North Carolina. 



502 



WASTE LAND— SWAMP. 

As was observed before, three-fourths of the surface of< 
this district presents a pine barren, fit only for cattle ranges. 
The undulating character, however, of this region, leads to 
the idea, that, when the cultivation of the vine is properly 
understood and appreciated in this country, these lands will 
be capable of valuable improvement, and prove highly pro-=, 
ductive of the grape. 

The swamp, or river low lands, are the most important 
waste lands in the district. Very little of these is yet 
b;ought under safe cultivation from freshets ; when they 
are, they will reward the labor of doing it abundantly. 

WHAT IMrROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

Connected with the subject of agriculture, there is another 
improvement waiited here, which relates to a better mode 
of cultivating the soil, so as not to destroy its qualities to 
produce; but to afford it that nourishment which would 
make it capable of always yielding iis fruits abundantly. 
The small {)ortion of good soil in the district, demands at- 
tention to this subject. The agricultural, or manuring sys* 
tern, should certainly be substituted for the present systemj, 
which wears out the land. 

POOR LAWS. 

{See, on this head, General Statistics.] 



COLLETON. 

HISTORY OF THE' SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OP ITS NAME, 

If we were to refer to the original boundaries of Colle- 
ton, this district could claim the honor of t!ie first settle- 
ment made in South Carolina. The original political divi- 



503 

§ion of the province was into four counties, Berkleyy 
Craven, Colleton, and Carteret. Colleton contained Port 
Koyal, and the islands in the vicinity, to the distance of 
thirty miles. In the next division of the province, Colle- 
ton was merged into Beaufort precincts, and did not re- 
ceive its name until the year 179S, when the present divi- 
sions of the state were established ; a chang;e of position, 
however, was the result, and Beaufort now possesses 
the interesting spot where our forefathers first landed. 

Colleton district, properly speaking, was located in 1670^, 
though no permanent settlement took place until sev ral 
years after. The jealousy of the Spaniards, who held Flo- 
rida, was the principal cause of this. In the year 1696 a 
settlement took place on the eastern side of Ashley river, 
in this district, whicn was named Dorchester, from Dor- 
chester, Massachusetts, from whence the settlers emigrated. 

This district was named in honor of Sir John Coiletonj 
©ne of the lords proprietors of the province. 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Colleton is situate between the districts of Charleston 
and Beaufort, and possessing all the agricultural advantages 
of these districts, except that of a sea-coast ; only one poin^ 
of it being open to the ocean. 

The most of this district lies within the second general 
division of the state ; the tide flowing up the rivers but 
about thirty miles from the ocean, and the water salt only 
one third of this distance. 

The boundaries of Colleton are as follows : beginning at 
the junction of South Edisto river with the ocean, (or St. 
Helena's Sound,) and following the course of this river up 
to the Dawho, then by this river to its intersection 
with the North Edisto ; up this river (which is here called 
Wadmelaw,) into New-Cut, -which opens into the west 
branch of Stono river, and folio wins; the course of this 
hvaiyth down to its junction with the main river ; then up 



504 

the east branch of this river about five miles, in a straignht 
line ?tb^ve Rantol's bri(1o;e (near where the hne of St. 
Paul's parish intersects) : thence by a waving line stretch- 
ing np Stotio swamp, and over to Ashley hill on Ashley 
river ; then down this river to Sawpit creek, up this creek 
to its head ; t? en across the country N. F'. to Windsor hill, 
the extreme S. E. corner of the disirict ; then by a 
straight line drawn from Windsor hill N. 49 W. to Four 
Hole swamp, three quarters of a mile above the Four Hole 
bridge, near Harlel's ; then up the Four Hole swamp about 
fifteen miles, to the intersection of the old dividing line 
between Charleston and Orangeburg precincts ; (all which 
aforementioned lines and water-courses divide Colleton from 
Charleston district.) Then by this old line running S. 53, 
W. 38 miles sixteen chains, to where it intersects the Big 
Saltcatcher, or 8aitcatcher head, about two miles and a 
half above Broxham's Curd (which divides it from Orange- 
burg and Barnwel! districts) ; thence down the Saltcatcher 
ai>d Conibahee (which divides this district froni Beaufort) 
^o the ocean. 

The average length of Colleton is forty-five miles, and 
breadth thirty-nine. It is computed to contain 1,123,200 
square acres, and ranks in size the fourth district in the 
state. 

Politically considered, Colleton is divided into three 
parts, called parishes : St. Bartholmews, St. Pauls, and 
St. Georges, Dorchester. 

lEJATURE OP THE SOIL PRODUCTS — QUANTITY TO THE 

ACRE ADAPTATION TO PARTICULAR PLANTS. 

The soil of this district may be divided into three kinds ; 
first, the marsh or tide lands, adapted particularly to the 
culture of rice; second, the swamp lands which are equal- 
ly rich, and planted mostly in cotton and corn ; third^ 
the high lands in their vicinity which are chiefly valuable oij 
account of the timber growing upon them. Some spots on 



505 

these uplands are productive, and used generally for raising 
provisions. 

The rice lands are very productive, yielding on an ave- 
rage two barrels, or 1400 pounds of rice to the acre, 
^^here the swamp lands are cultivated the soil is remarkably 
fine for raising cotton and corn ; 600 to 600 pounds of seed 
cotton being the usual product to the acre, and 20 to 30 
bushels of corn. Of plants of the esculent kind this soil 
yields abundantly. The uplands, planted in potatoes, beansy 
pease, melons, pumpkins, and such like, give good crops. 
From 200 to 250 bushels of sweet potatoes are frequently 
the product of at; acre. 

Though the staple articles, rice and cotton, are only cul- 
tivated for market in this district, there are others equally 
important and valuable, which it is capable of producing -^ 
for instance, indigo, (formerly a staple article,) maddery 
tobacco, hemp, flax, silk, grapes, and even sugar, besides 
barley, rye, &c. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES. 

In its present physical state, this district, in the aggregate, 
is decidedly unhealthy. The sand hills and ridges, lying 
remote from the swamps, are however an exception to this; 
there being situations in the upper parts of the district 
where the blessing of health may be secured. In the lower 
parts, the wealthy planters, who reside there in winter and 
spring, leave it the rest of the year, and usually remove to 
the city of Charleston. 

Fevers are the proper endemics of this, as of the other 
districts lying in the same region of country. Before the 
district began to be cleared and culuvaved it was evidently 
more healthy. The opening of the country to the miasma 
of the swamps, by cutting down the woods contiguous to 
them, or on their margins, is one ostensible cause of this 
cha ge ; and added to the evil is the abandonment of che 
inlap^d swamps;, which were formerly cuitivaled in rice, 



506 

and which now, from being exposed to tlic heat of the sun, 
have become the hot-beds of disease. We cannot presume 
upon any change for the betier in the sshjbrity of this 
country, until art has reclaimed those numerous swamps, 
which intersect the district in all directions^ and a proper ' 
system of cultivating them be adopted. 

DISTRICT TOWN— VILLAGES, 

Walterborough is properly the district town, being the 
seat of the courts. It is situate in as healthy a place as the 
centrality of the district would admit. A handsome court- 
house and jail, (built of brick, and stuccoed to represent 
stone,) have been within a few years erected. Previous to 
the seat of justice being located here, this site was chosen 
for a summer retreat by the lowland planters. Tlie houses 
from this circumstance are m.uch scattered, but the requi- 
site accommodations for those attending court have been 
provided near the court-house. 

Walterborough lies in latitude, 32^^ 51' and longitude E. 
from Columbia, 0° 20' 30". It is distant from Columbia, in 
a straight line. Hi miles, and from the ocean, 32 miles. 

Jacksonborough was formerly the seat of justice of the 
district, and is of considerable note, connected with the 
revolutionary war. The provincial congress once sat there, 
during the occupancy of Charleston by the British, in ITSsi. 
It was at this period that Gen. Marion's brigade way> sur- 
prised near Santee, by a party of British horse, commanded 
by Lieut. Col. Thomson (the late celebrated Count Kum- 
ford). Gen. Marion was then at Jacksonborough, attending 
to his duty as a member of the legislature. Jacksonbo- 
rough is situate on the west bank of Edisto river, (where 
it is known in the neighborhood by the name of Pou Pon„ 
The old court-house and jail are still standing, and two or 
three dwellings. 

There are two other settlements in the district, of old 
standing, Willtown and Dorchester. Wiiitown is situate 



507 

on the east bank of Pon Pon, or Edisto river, about six 
miles below Jacksonborough. A fort was hastily construct- 
ed here in 171S, for the protection of the women and chil- 
dren against the incursions of the Yamassee Indians, who 
at this time invaded the province. The militia marched 
out to meet these Indians, but missed them. They soon 
after appeared in force against the party, but the Indians 
finding they would meet with resistance, left it to go against 
the plantations. Governor Craven, at the head of a body 
of militia, fell in with these Indians near Stono ferry (at 
the place where Lincoln, in June, 1779, attacked the Bri- 
tish troops under Provost), A general action took place, in 
which the Indians were entirely defeated. Tins was the 
last attempt of the Yamassees to disturb the people in this 
part of the country.* 

Dorchester is located on tlie east side of Ashley river, and 
marks the first settlement made in this part of Colleton dis- 
trict. In 1696, the Rev. Joseph Lord arrived from Dor- 
chester, Massachusetts, accompanied by hi? church mem- 
bers, who settled in a body at this place. In 1752, they 
made a second migration to Med way, in Georgia, with their 
minister, the Rev. Joseph Osgood, who was so much be- 
loved by his people, and had such an influence over them, 
that on his recommendation they went off in a body. In 
1794, the original church, which lay in a ruined condition, 

* In 1740 an insurrection of the negroes took place near VVilltov.i). 
The inhabitants had assembled at church on the same day, and were 
fortunately armed, by which means they were enabled to quell it 
before much mischief had been done by them. This providential cir- 
cumstance saved the lives of many that would not have been saved 
otherwise. It was believed, and not without reason, that the Span- 
iards, by their secret influence and intrigues with the slaves, had insti- 
g'ated them to this massacre. 

Capt. Bee commanded the mihtia on this occasion, and contributed 
by his judicious management to put down immediately this formidoble 
insurrection. 

'' Q Q. 2 



508 

was rebuilt and organized. It is of the Congregational per- 
suasion. 

The British army encamped here, after its defeat at the 
Eutaws ; but were soon after obliged to break up their 
camp, by the sudden appearance of Gen. Green with 200 
horse and 200 infantry. 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

Colleton is intersected in every direction, with rivers 
and creeks ; the two principal rivers are navigable the en- 
lire extent of the district, namely, the Edisto and Comba- 
hee, or Saltcatcher. The lower section of the district is 
remarkably well provided with navigable streams, the tide 
flowing up them twenty or thirty miles above their outlet, 
furnishing a schooner navigation this distance. Besides 
the rivers above mentioned, there are the Ashepoo, Che- 
haw, Dawhaw, Wadmalaw, Stono, Ashley and Bull rivers? 
all navigable for schooners. The inferior are the little Salt- 
catcher, Four holes, Cawcaw, Cuckhold, Buckhead, the 
two Indian fields, Poke, and Cypress, besides numerous 
smaller swamp streams. 

TALUE OF LANI>~PRODUCTS— PRICES OF LABOR, &c. 

The first quality rice lands are extremely valuable, and 
worth from fifty to sixty dollars an acre, when properly 
secured and embanked. The cotton lowlands are the 
next in value, and are worth from forty to fifty dollars an 
acre. The up, or pine lands, are generally valuable for 
their timber only, or as places of retreat for health ; and 
according to situation are worth from twenty cents to one 
dollar an acre. 

The products of an acre ©f rice land are worth from 
seventy to eighty dollars, and from the same quantity of 
swamp land, planted in cotton, at least as much, and fre- 
a^^ently more. 



509 



The price of labor of field hands is from eighty 1;o one hun- 
dred and twenty dollars a year and found. 

POPULATION, 

By the census of 1S20, Colleton district contains 26,404 
inhabitants, of which 31,770 were slaves, 293 free blacks. 
The census of 1800 made the population 20,417, an increase 
of only 1500 in ten years, owing to emigrations. 

FISH— GAME— BIRDS. 

Colleton possesses the same advantages in respect to fish; 
both of the salt and fresh water kind, as Charleston and 
Beaufort. Game is more plentiful ; the birds, both local 
and migratory, are the same as in the adjoining districts. 

NUMBER OP POOR— EXPENSE. 

The commissioners' returns give poor, and the ex- 
pense of keeping them $ 

EDUCATION, LITERARY AND OTHER SOCIETIES— LIBRARIES. 

Except among the wealthy class (who are well educated) 
this subject has not received that attention here, which it 
deserves ; but it is improving, and great hopes are enter- 
tained that much benefit will result from the establishment 
of the free school system. 

Within the last four years, from 1821 to 1324, inclu- 
sive, there have been i294 poor children educated, at an 
expense to the state of 6470 dollars. The fund appropria- 
ted for this purpose is permanent, being in proportion to the 
representation of the district, and amounts annually to 2100 
dollars. 

RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Congregation- 
alisms, and Episcopalians, are in point of numbers in the or- 



510 

der here stated. The Congregationalists,3S early as 1690, es- 
tablished a church at Dorchesten 

EMINENT MEN. 

This district of country was at times the seat of war, in 
which several olour citizens distinguished themselves. Their 
names, as far as have been ascertained, are as follows: — Col. 
Hayne, (of martyred memory,) Col. Wm. Fishburn, Col. 
Youngblood, Col, Harden, Majur Snipe, Capt. Koger, P. 
and J. Walters ; all of whom stood firm to the principles 
they had espoused. 

NAMES OF PLACES, INDIAN OR OTHERWISE. 

Several of the rivers of this district have retained their 
original or Indian names : such are the Combahee, Salke- 
hatchee, Edistoh, Chehaw, Dawhavv, Wadmalaw, Caw- 
caw, Ashepoo, Pon Pon, Stouo, &c. 

ROCKS, STONES, MINERALS, &c. 

Colleton, lying within the alluvial region, furnishes no 
other kind of stone than that species of calcareous rock, 
called shell limestone ; a considerable quarry of which is 
found on the banks of the Four-hoie swamp, and appear- 
ances of the same manifest themselves at Givham's ferry. 
Marine productions are found every where, bu-t no mine- 
rals. 

TIMBER TREES -FRUIT TREES. 

Abundance of the finest pine timber is found in this dis- 
trict. Rafts of it are annually transpiorted down the Edisto, 
to Charleston. Besides the pine, there are the live oak, 
poplar, cypress, beech, hickory, walnut, chesnut, and a va- 
riety of oak, the palmetto, and indeed all the diflferent kinds 
of trees and shrubs common to the adjoining districts. 



511 



MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

The pine is mostly in use for building, except a little 
cypress and poplar. The only durable material in the dis= 
trict for this purpose, is brick, for making which good 
clay is found in various places. There is a large body of 
calcareous stone, lately discovered on the banks of the Four- 
hole swamp, which promises to prove a valuable acquisi- 
tion in the erection of permanent w^orks. When the 
Edisto canal is opened, it probably will come into compe- 
tition with the freestone now used in Charleston, imported 
from the northern states, and from Europe. 

Lime, for making mortar^ is usually obtained from burnt 
shells, and forms a good cement. 

WASTE LANDS-—SWAMP — WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM T© 
BE WANTING. 

Great bodies of good land lie waste in this district, but 
are useful in furnishing ranges for cattle. 

The inland swamps, if reclaimed, would prove of incal- 
culable advantage to the district, both in a pecuniary and 
physical point of view. 

Some gentlemen in this district have begun the system 
of draining and embanking with great promise of success. 
Among these is Wm. Washington, Esq. (son of the cele- 
brated Colonel Washington.) The object to be attained in 
the pursuit of su 'h a system is so important, that it is 
hoped neither industry, patience, nor perseverance will be 
wanting to its final accomplishment. 

TAXES. 
The taxes paid yearly by this district amount to 824^ 
7?6 16. 



512 



DARLINGTON. 

HISTORY OP THE SETTLEMENT ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

The first settlement of this district occurred in 1750, 
when several families from Virginia took up land and lo- 
cated themselves here. Darlington was formerl}'' inclu- 
ded within the precincts of Cheraw, mostly in what, at that 
time, was called St. David's parish. The origin of the 
name of this district is difficult to be surmised. It is 
presumed to have been in honor of Colonel Darlington, 
who distinguished himself in the revolutionary war. 

SITUATION, BOUiVDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

The geological position of Darlington is entirely with- 
in the alluvial formation, ^being below the falls of the rivers. 
The upper part lies in the sand hill region, and exhibits 
the extremes of sterility and fertility. It is of a very 
compact form, having the great Pedee as a boundary on 
the N. E., (which divides it from Marlborough,) and 
Lynch's creek on the S. W., (which separates it from 
Sumter.) On the N. W. it is bounded by Chesterfield, 
from which it is divided by Cedar creek, and a line drawn 
from its head, S. 51° 45' W. to Tiller's ferry on Lynch's 
creek ; and on the S. E. by Marion, and a small portion 
of Williamsburg district, from which it is divided by a 
line, drawn from Lynch's creek, (S. E. corner of Sumter 
district,) bearing N. 22° 30' E., over the great Pedee 
river, above the junction of Black creek. It contains 
576,000 acres; being on an average 30 miles square. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL PRODUCTS — VALUE OP LAND, &C. 

The river lands are of inexhaustible fertility. On the 
Pedee, their width in some places is two miles ; and in 
one place six miles. The swamps on Black river and 
Lynch's creek are narrow, but rich in soil. The inter- 



mediate lands, are, by comparison, sand barrens, yet occa- 
cionally presenting some good timber land. The low 
lands of Pedee yield the finest crops of cotton and corn. 
To secure them from freshets, they are mostly banked in. 
The average crop of cotton, (clean from the seed,) to the 
acre, on these lands, is equal to a bag of 300 weight; and of 
corn, about 30 bushels. Such lands are valued very higbj 
and will bring from 40 to 60 dollars per acre. '■ 

DISTRICT TOWN, VILLAGES, &C. 

The village of Darlington, is the seat of justice of the 
district, and is situated near Swift creek, which waters 
two sides of the village, before entering Black creek. The 
public buildings are, a handsome new brick court-house 
and jail ; besides several private houses, and the requisite 
taverns. 

Three other villages, (retreats for health,) are located in 
the district. The principal of these is Society Hill, (on 
some of the old maps, called Greenville ; but the place 
properly so called, where the old court-house of Cheraw 
district stood, is in the low lands, near the river, and ex- 
ists no longer as a town.) This village took its name 
from the circumstance of the planters of the low lands 
on the Pedee forming a society for the purpose of erect- 
ing a seminary of learning on the hill. Many of them after- 
wards built cottages here, in which they spent the sickly 
season. 

Society Hill, (as its name implies,) is an elevated situa- 
tion, one mile from the river^ It is not the rus in urb^ 
nor the urbs in rure,{as a traveller some time ago remark- 
ed,) but a group of houses and of trees commixed. The 
houses are built without any regular plan in the woods, 
according to the fancy of the builder ; and so scattered, 
that, as you ramble, you come upon them unawares. There 
is n^ place that better suits the idea of a rural summer re- 
mdence, had it only some naked rocks, a murmuring rivu- 



514 

let, and a few noisy waterfalls. In forty years this hiil 
would wear a still more fascinating aspect, would they but 
cut out the small saplings, and let the remainder grow to 
lofty overshadowing trees. The style of building too, is 
not sufficiently neat ; nor are the houses painted and orna- 
mented as they should be ; nor 'the gardens cultivated with 
taste. 

This scattered village is about one mile in extent. It has 
one Baptist church, of wood, built long since, which they 
have refitted. There is also here a neat Methodist church. 

There are six stores, a post-office, two taverns, a tan- 
yard, and two blacksmith's shops ; in all there are about 
thirty-five dwelling-houses, and about 120 white inhabi- 
tants. It has several springs of fine water, flowing from 
the basis of the hills, but the inhabitants use in general well 
water. There is also an academy, under the direction of 
a respectable gentleman, which is doing well, having about 
seventy scholars. 

The other villages are Springville, on the north side of 
Black creek, and Mechanicville, situate between the courts. 
house and the river ; both appropriated as summer retreats 
for the planters. 

LAKES' — CREEKS— STREAMS, &C. 

There is not a better watered district in the state than this. 
The Pedee has a good steam-boat navigation its whole ex- 
tent. Black creek is" navigable thirty miles from its junc- 
tion with the Pedee, and Lynch's creek, eighty miles from 
where it joins the Pedee, anc' nay be made navigable into 
Chesterfield, the obstructions being altogether logs and trees. 
The other streams of importance, are the following, in the 
order named— Sparrow, (and its branches,) Lake swamp, 
Jeffry's creek, Cedar, High hill, Swift, Middle swamp, 
Brickholfs, Alligator, and Black swamp creeks. The 
average velocity of the nayigable ^(reams is about li miles 
per hour. 



515- 

PRICE OF PROVISIONS, OF LABOR, &C. 

Little more provision, except corn, is raised in this dis- 
trict, than what is requisite for home consumption« Cotton 
and corn, from the low swamp plantations, are sometimes 
sent to market The hire of laboring hands is from 80 to 
100 dollars per annum, and found. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY. 

lo this part of the country, the air, on the high hills, is 
remarkably salubrious, and the water pure and pleasant, as 
was observed in the districts located in this region. There 
is no country, in the aggregate, more healthy. The sum- 
mers are very free from bilious, and the winters from in- 
flammatory, diseases. The elevation of these sand-hills 
is from 160 to 300 feet, above the ocean, and the river 
swamps. But on the rivers, creeks, and flat lands, this dis- 
trict is subject to bilious fevers, and cannot be called healthy. 
Several instances of longevity may be enumerated. Mrs, 
Morgan, who died in 1805, was aged 90. She was born 
in Virginia, but had resided for 2S years in this district. 
At the time of her death, 244 of her descendants were liv- 
ing. She wrote a good hand, and taught reading, writing, 
and arithmetic, at the age of 70 ; was healthy and active 
till within a short time of her death. Several other indi- 
viduals, whose ages exceed SO, might be enumerated. 

MANUFACTURES. 

I 

During the last war a very extensive cotton factory was 

established, by Gen. D. R. Williams, on the waters of Ce- 
dar creek, within two miles of Society hill, which did 
Tery well during the nonintercourse act ; but, when trade 
opened again, the employi^ient of the hands was more pro*^ 



516 

fitable in raising the cotton than in manufacturing it into 
cloth. The factory is now closed ; domestic manufactures 
are, however, still carried on to some extent, j ^ 

COMMERCE, &C. 

Two team-boats run from Society hill landing to George- 
town, with cotton ; from whence it is shipped to Charles- 
ton. A number of boats are in this trade, which carry irom 
goo to 300 bales of cbtton each. 



POPULATION. 

The census of 180© gave to this district 7,631 inhabitants; 
of which, 2,336 were slaves. In 1820, the population stood 
thus :"-6,407 whites, 4,473 slaves, 69 free blacks ; total, 
10,949 ; an increase, in twenty years, of nearly fifty per 
cent, although during this period there was a great emi- 
gration to the western states. 

TAXES. 
By the returns of the past year, this district pays taxes 
annually 4,&44 dollarse 

FISH— -GAME— -BIRDS, &C. 

There are some very excellent fisheries of shad and stur- 
geon, on the Pedee river. Quantities of these fine fish are 
eaught there in season. Herrings, also, visit this river ; 
they were formerly taken in great abundance in Louder's 
lake. This is believed to be the last river to the south 
where these fish are taken in large quantities. There are, 
also, the trout, bream, cat-fish, &c. Game is getting scarce. 
Few deer and wild turkeys are now seen ; partridges, doves,^ 
woodcocks, and snipes, are plenty ; also, wild ducks, and 
occasionally wild pigeons, and wild geese. There is a va- 
riety of singing-birds, such as the mocking-bird, thrush, 
red-bird, blue>bird, &c. 



517 

NUMBER 0¥ POOR— -NUMBER OP BLIND— DEAF ANB DUMBj, 
AND LUNATIC. 

This district has its proportion of this unfortunate class 
of our population. 

EDUCATION. 

Several respectable academies are established in the dis° 
irict, which are well patronized. There are also several 
free-schools, supported by the state, at an expense annually 
of nearly 1600 dollars ; about 500 poor children are here 
taught gratis. By this it will be seen that measures are in 
active operation to improve the minds of the rising genera- 
tion, and thus fit them to appreciate properly the value of 
their political rights, and the responsibility of their stand- 
ing in society, 

IIELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Baptists are the most numerous religious sect in the 
district ; next to these are the Methodists, then the Pres» 
byterians. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Judge Wilds was an able lawyer, and a wise and good 
man : he died at the age of 35, and lies buried at Society 
hill, where he was born and educated^ 

Col. John Smith settled in this district at the close of the 
revolutionary war, and died here. He was a native of 
Maryland, and a captain in the Maryland line during the 
revolutionary war. He distinguished himself in the battle 
of Monmouth, at Hobkirk's hill, and in the disastrous battle 
of Camden, under Gen, Gates, where he was taken pri- 
soner with De Kalb. When Gen. Washington accepted the 
command of the army, in 179S, during our differences with 
France, Mr. Smith received the appointment of colonel in 
that army, which he accepted, at the special iiolicitation of 
Gen. Washington. 



518 



KAMES OF PLACES— INDIAN OR OTHER. 

There is not a single Indian name preserved in this dis- 
trict except in the river Pedee. 

ROCKS — GRANITE — LIMESTONE — FREESTONE — 'MINERALS. 

On the shallow bars of Pedee river, masses of metallic 
matter, adhering to old drift wood in many very detached 
pieces, apparently iron, are found. They call it copperas, 
and use it to dye black, for which purpose they say it an- 
swers better than copperas. By long exposure to the air it 
is decomposed, and becomes a white, and almost impalpable 
powder. There is a great abundance of it in the river, so 
that it is frequently hauled on shore in the fishermen's 
seines. The lower or south corner of the district dips into 
the marine shell limestone ; masses of this species of rock 
are found there. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES. 

The low lands produce a very large growth of treesj and 
occasionally in the high lands some good timber is found. 
Besides the pine, may be enumerated the black oak, white 
oak, cypress, cotton-tree, sycamore, sweet gum, &c. The 
fruit trees are mostly the peach, nectarine, grape, and cherry; 
besides a variety of berries. A very good wine has been 
made from the native grape of Jeffrey's creek. 

WASTE LAND™ SWAMP — QUANTITY RECLAIMED-~BAN5:iNG. 

Immense tracts of excellent land along the margins of the 
creeks lie uncultivated and unreclaimed, though they pro- 
vide fine ranges for cattle all the year round. Most of the 
river swamp is under cultivation, and protected from fre- 
shets. The quantity perhaps may be equal to 20,000 acres. 
Within the last fifteen years extensive embankments of 
yiver swamp lands have been effected. Gen. D. R. Wil- 



5W 

Hams was the first to appreciate the value of such works^ 
which he planned and executed with admirable success. 
His lands have been thus so perfectly protected, that no 
fresh has covered his plantations for many years. The 
consequence has been that he makes much larger crops than 
formerly, and never loses them by inundations. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES, READING SOCIETIES, LIBRARIES. 

Agriculture and literature are under progressive im- 
provement here. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING, 

On this head much might be said ; but the improvements 
y,hat appear most important to the physical interests of the 
district, relate 1st, To a dhange from the planting to the 
agricultural system ; or, in other words, in place of impo- 
verishing to nourish the soil, so as to make it capable of 
perpetual increase. 2d, That no piece of river swamp should 
be cleared until it is banked in, and secured from the de= 
structive effects of freshets, and such a system of embank- 
ment adopted and pursued, as will effectually accomplish 
ihe object of its construction. 



EDGEFIELD. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME, 
There is nothing that distinguishes the settlement ofEdge^ 
field from that of other districts in the upper and middle 
country. They were all gradually settled as the tide of 
emigration rolled from the north and east. It however may 
b^ observed of this, in contradistinction to some other dis- 
tricts, which were peopled a good deal by foreigners and 



520 

their immediate descendants, (namely, by Irish, Scotch, 
and Dutch, mixed with a few English,) that Edgefield was 
settled principally, and indeed almost altogether, by emi- 
grants from Virginia and North Carolina. It is presumed 
that the name of the district arose out of its geographical 
position, being on the edge of the state, contiguous to, and 
bounding on Georgia ; the name of Edgefield not being 
Isnown to apply to any other place, or person. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Edgefield is situated on the southwest border of the 
state ; bounded on this side by Savannah river, which 
separates it from Georgia ; on the southeast, by the dis- 
trict of Barnwell, Orangeburg, and part of Lexington ; 
from which it is separated, by a line drawn from a point 
40 chains below the mouth of the Hollow creek, on Savan- 
nah river, and running N. 17, E, 55 miles, and 76 chains, 
or until it intersects the Saluda river. On the north and 
east by Saluda river, (which separates it from Newberry,) 
and on the northwest, by Abbeville, from which it is 
divided by a line drawn from a point on Saluda river, a 
quarter of a mile above the Island ford, and rnnning first 
S, 40, W 19 miles and 38 chains ; and 2d, S. 34, W. 
14 miles and 60 chains, or until it intersects the Savan- 
nah river at the mouth of Liitle river. It is very nearly 
equi-distant from the mountains and the seaboard ; yet a 
little nearer the mountains. 

The average length of the district is 46 miles, breadth 
37; and contains > 089,280 acres, which makes it rank 
the 5th for extent of surface in the state. 

NATURE OP THE SOIL WHETHER CLAY, SAND, LOAMj 

GRAVELLY, OK STONY. 

Edgefield partakes of several varieties of soil in its dif- 
ferent parts. It may, howeTer, be divided into nearly two 



5,21 

equal paris ; first, into the sjindy, or long leaf pine land^, 
which extends nearly to the seaboard ; and secondly, into 
the oak and hickory lands, reaching up to the mountains. 
In the first half, the qualities are various, a small part ap- 
proaching absolutely to the pine barren; but the greater 
part composed of a light, sandy, level soil, admitting of 
tolerable cultivation. What will give this land a peculiar 
value in time, is, not only its level character, (which frees 
it from washing away,) but its having a good clay bottom, 
capable of receiving and retaining manure. The oak and 
hickory section presents also a variety of soil ; some parts 
being of a rich quality, and of a red color ; others of a free 
black, composed of sand and loam, with a clay foundation f 
yielding good crops, and capable of being much improved 
by art. Other parts present rather a close- pipe clay, or 
clammy appearance ; sometimes called craw-fish land, a 
little mixed with slatestone, which is far more productive 
than appearances at first indicate. The greatest inconve- 
nience which this land, (covered with oak and hickory) 
presents, is its rolling, hiliy character, which subjects it, like 
most of the land in the middle and upper country, to wash 
into gullies by heavy rains. The lands in the lower part 
of the district being level, are not so subject to this deterio- 
ration. 

PRODUCTIONS, &G. 

The most of the plants raised in the upper and middle 
country, may be grown in greater or less luxuriance in this 
district. 

The pine lands are peculiarly adapted to the cultivation 
of pease, sweet potatoes, and beans ; the best of them to In- 
dian corn and wheat. Almost any of the pine lands pro- 
duce the three last articles in great abundancej when assist- 
ed by a little manure. That part of the oak and hickory 
lapd aflbrding a deep red soil, is adapted particularly to wheaty 
tobacco, corn, hemp, and tolerably well to cotton. The 



522 

free black soil, composed of sand and loam, whilst fresh^ 
yields the most certain crops of Indian corn, cotton, pease, 
beans, potatoes, &c., and will produce very good small 
grain ; such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats. The slate- 
stone land is remarkable for wheat and Indian corn, and pro- 
duces also good cotton. This soil, and that of the clay, suf- 
fers less from heavy rains than the black free soil. 

Strictly speaking, little attention is paid to a rotation of 
crops ; the same lands being planted very often with the 
same grain for years, without any rest, change, or improve- 
ment. This state of things is much to be deprecated, and 
arises out of the great cupidity of the planters to raise large 
crops of cotton and corn, particularly the former ; which 
not only prevents a due attention to stock, small grain, and 
manuring the lands ; but keeps the planters in constant ex- 
ertion to clear the lands as fast as they are worn out, and 
as fast as the negro property is increased. This situation 
of the country presents a most fruitful theme for the true 
advocate of the agricultural interest of the state. 

Good lands in the district, (rich low grounds are not now 
spoken of,) will produce on an average, of Indian corn, fif- 
teen bushels per acre ; of cotton 6 or 700 weight ; of wheat 
fifteen bushels ; and so in proportion for other small grain, 
sweet potatoes, &c, 

DISTRICT TOWN—VILLAGES. 

Edgefield is the district town, or seat of justice, of the 
district. It is a neat little village, lying in the head fork 
of Beaver-dam creek. The houses are rather scattered ; 
the number is between forty and fifty, containing about 
thirty-eight families. The buildings are neat, commodious, 
and generally painted ; the situation remarkably healthy, 
being on the ridge separating the pine and oak lands, divid- 
ing the waters of Edisto, Savannah^ and Saluda rivers. The 
population is estimated at 300. 



623 

This district contains the new and rapidly rising town of 
Hamburg, situate on the northeast bank of Savannah riverj 
opposite to Augusta, in Georgia, and possesshig, in every 
point of view, the same advantages for commerce, Ham- 
burg owes its existence to the industry and enterprise of 
Henry Shultz, and now contains 200 houses, and about 
1200 inhabitants, although previous to the 1st of July, 1821, 
not a single house had been erected. There are at present 
between fifty and sixty stores, which do a vast deal of bu- 
siness. There were received here, in the season of 1821, 
about 17,000 bags of cotton ; and in the fall and winter of 
1822, about 26,000 ; besides tobacco, fluur, and other pro- 
ductions, engrossing nearly all the Carolina produce, which 
before was carried to Augusta. Its rapid and increasing: 
commerce is principally assisted, and indeed produced, by 
the steam-boat navigation between Charleston and this place 
first reduced to successful experiment by the indefatigable 
industry of Mr. Shultz. The steam boats are fitted for the 
accommodation of passengers, as well as for freight : they 
carry from 600 to 1000 bags of cotton each, and ply regu- 
larly between Hamburg and Charleston, returning with pro- 
portionable cargoes of goods. Augusta enjoys also all the 
advantages of this important commerce, and the merchants 
of both Georgia and South Carolina, at least all those in the 
southwestern parts of it, must carry on their trade, and re- 
ceive their return goods through this medium ; because of 
its superior advantages of celerity and cheapness of trans- 
portation. 

There is another village of sixteen or seventeen houses? 
and as many families, within a mile and a half of Edgefield 
court-house, called the Pottery, or Poltersville, but which 
should be called Landrumville, from its ingenious and sci- 
entific founder, Dr. Abner Landrum. This village is alto- 
gether supported by the manufacture of stoneware, carried 
on by this gentleman ,; and which, by his own discoveries 
/ ■ s s 2 ■ 



&2A 

is made much stronger, better, and cheaper than any Euro- 
pean or American ware of the same kind. This manufac- 
ture of stoneware may be increased to almost any extent ; 
in case of war, &c. its usefulness can hardly be estimated, 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

There are no lakes in this district of sufficient importance 
to be mentioned. The principal navigable stream is Sa- 
vannah river, which forms the southwestern boundary of 
the district. It is navigable from Hamburg to Charleston 
for steam-boats of from 120 lo 300 tons burden. A voyage 
from the former to the latter and back again, is made with 
ease in 12 or 15 days. From Hamburg above, to Peters- 
burg in Georgia, and Vienna in South Carolina, this river 
now affords a navigation for boats carrying from 40 to 50 
bags of cotton : indeed the navigation is practicable much 
higher up for boats of a similar burden, by the removal 
of a few obstructions, occasioned by shoals and rocks. 
When these are taken away, the navigation of this fine 
river can be extended up to the mountains. 

Next to the Savannah, the Saluda is the most important 
river in Edgefield. It is now navigable the whole extent 
of the district, for boats carrying 50 bales of cotton, and 
promises great facilities of intercourse with Columbia, so 
that Edgefield may be said now to have the advantage of 
three markets, all within 50 miles of the extremities of the 
district. 

Stephens creek, which empties into Savannah river, a 
few miles above Hamburg, might be made navigable into 
the heart of the district. It is a large and rapid stream, 
made by the junction of Turkey, Hard-labor, and Cuffy- 
town creeks. Shaw's creek, and the other fork of Edisto, 
might be made navigable several miles into this district ; 
the former six or eight miles, and the latter perhaps nearly as 
far. It is supposed that Little Saluda, a branch of Big Saluda, 



526 

and formed by Red Bank and Mine creeks, all m this dis- 
trict, might be made beatable for small craft 6, 10, or even 
12 miles up. The obstructions, both on Stephens creek and 
Little Saluda, are chiefly logs, with a few shoals. Big 
Horse creek is an important stream, in a commercial point 
of view, associated with Shaw's creek, Hamburg, and 
Charleston. A navigable intercourse opened between these 
two waters, and between Edisto and Ashley, would have a 
tendency to divert the whole trade of Savannah river this 
way to Charleston, 

VALUE OF LAND. 
The value of pine land is from 50 cents to 6 dollars per 
acre, according to situation and fertility. The value of the 
richest red lands is from 15 to S20 ; of the gray land, 
mixed with loam and sand, from 4 to j^lO ; of the slatestone 
land, from 1 50 to ^4; and of the pipe clay, livery, or craw« 
fish, white-looking land, from 1 to $2. From this an 
average of the whole might be given at from 2 to 3 dollars 
per acre. 

REMARKABLE GOOD OR BAD SEASONS. 
The present, with the two last seasons for planting, have 
been quite wet, though not to a degree to prevent the pro- 
duction of excellent crops. The two seasons immediately 
preceding were uncommonly dry. 

PRICE OF GRAIN AND OTHER PROVISIONS. 
Indian corn has been for the last four or five years from 
^1 50 down to 25 and 30 cents per bushel : in one or two 
years it was as high as S2, and even $2 50, So of wheat, 
from $1 50 to 75 cents ; cotton, from 32 down to 8 cents. 

THE MARKET TO WHICH THE SURPLUS IS EXPORTED. 

Hamburg and Augusta are the principal markets ; but 
a considerable part of the produce passes through Ham- 
burg to Charleston. 



526 



TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES. 

This district abounds in both the long and short leaf pine j 
also oak, hickory, elm, ash, gum, &c. The fruit trees are 
the apple, peach, plum, cherry, pear, quince, &c. The 
season of flowering is generally in March. 

EXPENSES OF LIVING PRICE OF LABOR. 

The expenses of living are moderate, as may be inferred 
from the productive nature of the land. The price of slave 
labor is about 50 dollars per annum ; whites, about 10 dol- 
lars per month, or 100 per year. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY. 

The climate of Edgefield is mild, and from the situation 
of the country, must in general be healthy. The sources 
of disease are chiefly along the creeks, and near mill-ponds, 
&c. They are principally of a bilious character ; though 
others incident to this latitude prevail more or less. In- 
stances of longevity are not rare in the district : Benjamin 
Busby was upwards of 100 years old when he died. He 
swore to his age (103) some time before his decease, to be 
excused from duty as a juryman. Mr. Gentry is about 100 
years old, and has 300 descendants. 

POLICE— TAVERNS— STATE OF THE ROADS. 

The police is by no means as strict, nor its laws as sys^ 
tfematically enforced, as could be wished ; the taverns are 
not the best ; but they are improving. The roads are 
generally in a deplorable state ; but in some parts of the 
district are mending. 

MANUFACTURES — OCCUPATION OF THE INHABITANTS. 

The principal manufacture is that of stone- ware, pitchers, 
Jugs, jarsj &c. Great quantities of excellent stone for build- 



527 



ing might be obtained from a quarry on the waters of Horse 
creek of a beautiful white, and excellent quality. !;r Many 
families manufacture their own clothing, f^ 

The main body, indeed almost all of the citizens are 
planters. There are however the usual proportion of me- 
chanics, lawyers, physicians, and clergymen. 

POPULATION. 

The population of Edgefield is now nearly stationary ; 
perhaps a little on the increase. For two or three years 
immediately preceding the last, it was on the decrease, 
owing to emigrations to Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and 
Florida ; principally to the first. This disposition to em- 
igrate originated from three causes ; first from the wearing 
out of the lands ; second, from the increase of families, (re- 
quiring more land,) third, from inclination to wander? 
arising from exaggerated descriptions of new and bet- 
ter countries, which operate like a talisman upon the 
minds of many, particularly the more idle part of man- 
kind. Edgefield contained in 1800, of whites 13,©63 ; of 
slaves 5006 ; and of free blacks 61 ; total 18,130. The 
census of 1820 gives, of whites 12,864 j of slaves 19,198 ; 
of free blacks 57 ; total 25,119 A considerable increase 
has takeij place since 1820 ; perhaps the population may 
now be rated at 28,000. 

NUMBER OF CATTLE — SHEEP — SWINE THEIR VALUE. 

About five head of mules and horses may be calculated 
to a family, and as many cattle, but fewer sheep ; Mr. 
Bruchampt has now a regular sheep walk, with trained 
shepherds and dogs, from Germany ; and 400 sheep, which 
thrive well. There are about ten head of hogs to a fam- 
ily. A cow is worth eight or ten dollars, a horse or mule 
from fifty to seventy-five dollars, a sheep two dollars, a 
hog from one dollar fiftv cents to two dollars. 



528 



FISH— GAME— BIRDS. 



The principal fish are, the shad, during the spring, cat- 
fish, bream, perch, sucker, pike or jack-fish, red-horse, 
rock-fish, trout, &c. The birds are, the turtle-dove, mock- 
ing-bird, partridge, robin, wren, snow-bird, red-bird, swal- 
low, woodpecker, woodcock, buzzard, hawk, owl, &c. 

NUMBER OF THE POOR— MANAGEMENT AND EXPENSE OF 
THEM— DISTILLERIES. 

The poor of this district are put to work under a superin- 
tendant. The tax to support them, formerly amounting to 
thirty per cent on the general tax, has been considerably re- 
duced under the present regulation. This is a subject of 
deep interest to the community. It is very evident that 
the old system (still existing in some of the districts) is 
deplorably deficient. The manner in which alms were for- 
merly dispensed, have tended rather to increase than de- 
crease pauperism ; nay, it offered a premium to idleness, as 
nothing was required of the pauper but to receive alms. 
Though it is disgraceful for any one to receive alms who is 
able to work, (if only to pick the specks, or the seed, out 
of the cotton,) yet that he should have no excuse, the men« 
dicant ought lobe provided with work. The money that 
was formerly laid out (amounting to upwards of three hun- 
dred dollars annually) for the idle support of the poor, is 
now so disbursed as to produce a far different effect. 

It should be a fixed rule, in giving alms, never to bestow 
money, except under very particular exigencies ; such as 
sickness, or to pay house-rent, &c. Every person having 
the use of his hands, (if not in bodily pain,) is capable of 
earning ten or twelve cents a day ; which is sufficient to 
support life. It is incumbent on us to do every thing to 
discountenance idleness, and to encourage industry. 

There are now in this district very few, if any regular 
distilleries ; almost every man who has a peach orchard, 
distils his own spirits. 



529 

J« UMBER OF BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB, LUNATIC PERSONS 

There are of all these descriptions of unfortunate persons 
about fifty in the district. 

EDUCATION. 

The state of education generally, is very superior to 
what it was some years ao;0o There is not, however, the 
same number of academies that existed some three or four 
years ago : but the number of private schools has increased. 
There is a respectable male academy, and a private school 
for females, at the court-house. There is another academy 
very well conducted, in the Blocker settlement, seven miles 
distant. The free-schools are very few in number ; the 
public fund for this purpose being used to pay teachers of 
private schoolsj in proportion to the number of poor scho- 
lars sent. There exists some radical defect in our laws re- 
lating to this important subject, which requires revision. 

Very few children, perhaps none, in this district, are now 
brought up without an education of some kind or another, 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The principal denominations are the Baptists and Metho 
dists. To the first there has lately been a very considerable 
accession. The citizens of the village of Edgefield have built 
here a handsome meeting-house, in which there is constituted 
a church of about one hundred members. 

CUSTOMS— AM USE METNS. 

Dancing is the principal amusement in this district; cards 
are very little used. 

There is one custom, that has for many years existed in 
the village, which though trivial, is an evidence that the 
primitive simplicity of former days is not entirely passed 
away ; namely, a general turn out of all the villagers on a 
whortleberry expedition once or twice a year. 



530 



NAMES OP PLACES AND THEIR ORIGIN, INDIAN OK 
OTHERWISE. 

All the Indian names are extinct in this district, ex. 
eept in the instances of Savannah, and Saluda, properly 
Salutdh, (or corn river.) The prejudices of our fore- 
fathers are highly to be deprecated in this instance. How 
much more interesting would the Indian names have been 
than those now attached to many of our rivers In place 
of big and little Horse creeks, Cuffy-town creeks, Horn, 
Hard-labor, and such vulgar names, we might now have 
had the poetical titles of Cusaboe, Seraw, Seranna, Sapona, 
and such like. 

ROCKS— GRANITE— FREESTONE, SOAPSTONE, &c.— 
MINERALS. 

In the upper divisian of the district, there are conside- 
rable bodies of rock, which may come under the denomi- 
nation of granite. There is no appearance of shell or com- 
pact limestone, though it is said there is soapstone. 

There is a quarry of admirable white free stone, suitable 
for building, on the waters of Cloudy creek, and of a good 
quality for millstones. 

There are no mineral substances found in the district, ex_ 
cept iron ore, which is discovered in different places. A 
bed of it lies at Monk's old iron works on Edisto. 

MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

These abound, both of stone, wood, and brick ; the clay 
being very good for this purpose, a"d the timber excellent, 
paricularly of the long leaf or yellow pine species. 

WASTE LAND QUANTITY RECLAIMED SWAMP. 

There are no waste lands, except such as are actually 
worn down to a caput mortuiim. Of these, unfortunate' 



531 

ly/there 1s a considerable quantity, but such lands ma}"^ 
and vvili, be recovered by proper management, when we in.- 
troduce the manuring system. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING, 

Upon this subject a vohime mis;ht be usefully written ; 

he »hat would undertake the task, and do it well, would 

merit to be enrolled among the greatest benefactors of the 

ceuntry. 

AGKICULTURAL SOCIETIES, LIBRARY AND READING 
SOCIETIES. 

An agricultural society has lately been established in the 
district ; a very interesting address was delivered on that 
occasion by the honorable Eldred SimkiuSo 

There are no library societies of a public character in. 
the district, though a taste for reading has been manifested 
by the ladies of the village of Edgefield, who, with several 
gentlemen, constitute a society, which is called the Edge- 
field Female Library Society. The meetings are held at 
each other's houses, accor ling to an alphabetical list of the 
names, once a fortnight ; where conversations on literary 
subjects are carried on, and the usual business of the society 
transacted. 

Tne object of this society is to procure new publica= 
tions, as they come out, relating to biograp])y, divinity, 
(seriflons,) poetry, and appoved novels. This infant library 
consists now of upwards of 300 volumes, 

AMOUNT OF TAXES» 

The tax returns show an amount nearly equal to 11,000 
dollars per annum, paid by this district into the trea- 
sury. 

,? MISCELLANEOUS OBSKRVATIONS. 

A/little below Hamburg is the bluff on which formerly 
.^too'd Fort Moore, so celebrated in the early history of this 

T T 5 



532 



state .' the site is precipitous, perhaps 90 or 100 feet highj 
and presents the appearance of a wall of party-colored 
earths, consisting of clays, and marles, of various hues, 
from brown to white, ranj^ed in horizontal strata. In 
the early settlement of the province, a frontier garrison 
was kept at this pkce, to protect its inhabitants against the 
Mnskohge, or Creek nation, and other Indians ; and here 
the constancy and intrepidity of a Muskohge warrior^ 
named, *'old Scrany," saved him from a death which 
threatened him by fiery torture. 

This warrior had been taken prisoner by the Shawanee 
Indians, and having been bastinadoed in the usual manner, 
he was condemned to be burnt. '' Fie underwent a great 
deal, without sliowing any concern ; his countenance and 
behaviour vvere as if he suflered not the least pain, and was 
formed beyond the common laws of nature. He told 
them with a bold voice, that he was a very noted warrior, 
and gained most of his martial preferment, at the expense 
of their nation ; and was desirous of showing them, 
in the act of dying, that he was still as much their supe™ 
rior, as when he headed his gallant countrymen against 
them. That although he had fallen into their hands, in 
forfeiting the protection of the Divine Power, by some 
impurity or other, when carrying the holy ark of war 
against his devoted enemies ; yet he had still so much re- 
maining virtue, as would enable him to punish himself 
more exquisitely, than all their despicable ignorant crowd 
could possibly do, if they would give him liberty by unty- 
ing him, and would hand him one of the redhot gun- 
barrels out of the fire. The proposal, and method of ad- 
dress, appeared so exceedingly bold and uncommon, that 
his request was granted. He then suddenly seized one- 
end of the red barrel, and brandishing it from side to side, 
he forced his way through the armed and surprised multi- 
tude, leaped down a prodigious steep and high bank, into 
the branch of the river ; dived through it j ran over a 



533 

small island, and passed the other branch, amidst a show-= 
er of buiiet^ from the commanding ground where Fort 
Moore, or New Windsor garrison stood. And though 
numbers of his eager enemies were in close pursuit of 
him, he got to a bramble swamp, and in that naked, man- 
gled condition^ reached his own country. 

EMINENT MENo 

The revolutionary war has furnished a long list of emi- 
nent men, whose services will be gratefully remembered 
hy their country. The limits of this work will not admit 
of exhibiting that detail of these serviceSj which would 
tend to prove the high claim they have to our affectionate 
regard. Little more than their names can be here recorded. 

Col. LeRoy Hammond, agent of Indian affairs, was, in 
the commencement of the revolution, a distinguished 
officer, and a terror to the Indians. By his gallantry and 
good conduct they were often defeated. He was a firm 
and active friend to his country, and rendered the state 
important services : his name stands conspicuous in the 
page of history, but numerous are the deeds of valor he 
performed that have never been recorded. 

Capt. Thomas Harvey rendered eminent services to the 
state ; he was an excellent officer, and first distinguish- 
ed himself in the Cherokee war, under Col. Hammonds 
He met his death in the arms of victory, having made 
an attack with only 24 men, upon a party of tories, con- 
sisting of upwards of 70 men, whom he totally routed^ 
killed several, and took almost all their arms. 

Major Hugh Middleton was an officer of great energy 
and spirit, his services against the Indians will never be 
forgotten. 

Lieut. Col. Purvis was also engaged against the Chero- 
kee/Indians, and served in many campaigns in the low 
■r-ountry, with honor. 



^34 

Capt. Arthur Simliins was an intelligent, active, and 
brave officer, a stanch friend to his country, and zealous 
in her cause. 

Capt. Ryan was one of those firm spirits, which no- 
thing could daunt, and the consequence was, that he be? 
came particularly obnoxious to the British government, 
from his zeal in the cause of independence. Previous to 
his being taken prisoner and sent to England, he was in 
several battles against the Indians and tories, under Le 
Roy Hammonds 

Capt. James Butler was advanced in years when the 
xvar broke out, but would always serve as a volunteer, 
whenever any fighting was on the carpet. In one of fhose 
situations he lost his life, at the time when the unfortunate. 
Capt. Turner, with his whole party, was compelled by the 
tories, under Cunningham, to surrender, and were all (save 
one) murdered. Capt. Butler on bemg struck by Cun.- 
ningham, knocked him down with his musket, but he was 
soon despatched. 

The family of the Martins in this district were very 
remarkably conspicuous, during the revolutionary war, 
for their united efforts in the great cause ol independence. 
There were seven brothers, and every one took an active 
part, and proved themselves good soldiers. Though fre- 
quently engaged with the enemy, and some of thern 
wounded, yet all survived ttie war, except one, (William,) 
who fell at the siege of Augusta.* The names of these 
brothers are, William, B'j^rtley, James, John, Edmund. 
Marshall, and Matthew. — The female part of this family 
evinced the same feeling of attachment to their country, 
and courage in its defence ; an evidence of it is as follows : 
Understanding that important despatches were transmit? 



* He was one qf the oldest captains in the service, commanding^ 
the artillery ; an excellent officer, and was engaged in several bat- 
tles. 



5Sd 

iing up the country, by the enemy, Mrs. William ana 
Bartley Martin, determined to waylay the carrier, and 
take possession of the papers : accordingly they dress- 
ed themselves in their husbands' clothes, took their muskets,, 
and posted themselves near the road, where they kne'.v thp; 
express would pass. Soon after the post appeared, 2;uard" 
ed by two British officers ; when they came oppr'site to the 
place where these ladies were, they called out to them to 
surrender, and presented their muskets, armed with bayo- 
nets: the British guard, alarmed and surpri<;ed, immediate- 
ly surrendered, and were paroled on the spot. The ladies 
then taking possession of the mail, made a long circuit 
through the woods and returned home, bavins: forwarded, 
without delay, the captured despatches to Gen, Green, 
The paroled officers, on their return to Charleston, happened 
that same night to reach the house where these patriotic la- 
dies resided, and asked to be accommodated ; which was 
granted. Mrs. Martin inquired where they were bound, and 
how thev came there; they related they had been taken bj- 
two rebel boys, and showed their parole. The ladies rallied 
them on the occasion, and asked them if they had no arms: 
they said yes, but they were surprised. Mrs. M. allov\ - 
cd the officers to depart next morning, without informing 
them by whom they were taken. 

G. Golphin was superintendent of Indian affairs for the 
Creek nation before the revolution broke out, and was a 
devoted friend to the American cause. By his influence 
with the Indians, he saved the effusion of much blood- 

Ke assisted the Americans in many extremities with his 
fortune, which w'as considerable, and evinced on every Ov'!- 

casion his attachment to the princijjles the}' had espoused. 
No man deserved better of this country than Mr. Golphin 

—he resided at or near Silver blufi", where a fort was once 
.^ni^truetedj which was called by liis name. 

The siege of Augusta was carried on in this district ; 
IVTaiors- S. Hammond and Jackson rommenced it Ge.n. 



• 6S6 

Green had detached them from the army in North Caroli- 
na, and directed that they should penetrate through the state, 
and open the way to the friends of independence to join ; 
they came down to the Savannah river, and laid siege to 
Augusta. Soon after Pickens and Lee renewed the siege, and 
Col. Brovvn, who commanded the fort at Augusta, surrender- 
ed (June 5th, 1781), 

Col. Samuel Hammond, now residing in this district, is 
the nephew of Col. Le Roy Hammond, and came original- 
ly from Virgiaia with Gen. Lincoln. He was an active^ 
enterprising, and judicious officer, and generally success- 
ful in his military operations. He was in the battle of 
King's mountain — battle of the Blackstocks, (where he had 
three horses shot under him) — battle of the Cowpetis — bat- 
tle of the Rulaws, and many others. He entered the army 
as a lieutenant, and rose to the rank of Lieut. Col. before 
the close of the war, having received his commission fron? 
Governor. Rutledge. 



FAIRFIELD. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

The first settlement of this district took place about the 
year 1745. Col. John Lyles and his brother Ephraim 
were among the first settlers ; they located themselves at 
the mouth of Beaver creek, on Broad river. Ephraim 
Lyles was killed by the Cherokee Indians in his own house^ 
but by a wonderful interposition of Providence, the Indiana 
went off and left Lyles' wife and seven or eight small chil- 
dren in it, after killing a negro, who was outside of the 
house. 

The Lyles were natives of Brunswick, Virginia, but re- 
moved to this country from old Bute Gounty^ N. Carolina. 



537 

About the time of the settlement of the Lyles, CapL 
Richard Kirkland, the grandfather of Mr, Reuben Karri- 
son, settled on the Wateree river, at or near CoL Peay's 
plantation. Kirkland was a Virginian, and a man of great 
wealth in those early times : he owned fifty brood mares. 

By the county c.urt act, (the work of the late Judge 
Pendleton) the upper country was divided into counties. 
At that division the name of Fairfield was first given to 
this section of country, and in all probability it owes its 
name to the mere good pleasure of the author of that act, 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT— NATURE, ADAPTA- 
TION, AND PRODUCTS OF THE SOIL, 

The geological situation of Fairfield is, with the excep- 
tion of a sh'p of sandy pine land on its southeastern limit, 
within the granite region. The granite begins first to appear 
above the surface of the high grounds in this district. It 
comes chiefly under the sixth division of the state, as noted 
under the general view of its geological features, being of 
primitive formation, resting on granite, or gneiss rocks. 
The surface is generally a deep red, or yellowish clay^ 
covered with a rich soil, sometimes mixed with sand and 
gravel. In its general aspect the country is much diversi- 
fied. In some places the traveller finds the level plain of 
the low country, in others the gentle undulation of the mid- 
dle country, and sometimes meets, particularly in the vici- 
nity of water- courses, with the rude surface and romantic 
scenery of a mountainous region. The soil is very various, 
from the best to the worst that is found in the upper 
country. 

The lands on Beaver creek, Wilkinson's creek, Good- 
man's creek. Rock creek, the Wateree, and Dutchman's 
creeks, are of the finest quality, clay foundations covered 
with a I'ich vegetable mould. The lands near the rivers 
are excellent and inexhaustible. 

The uplands are often of so uneven a surface a^ to be 



5S^ 

suucli injured by heavy rains, when in a sbte of cultivation. 
The bottoms every whert are rich and productive, aud in 
man} instances of very considerable extent, but not always 
secure from inundations. 

Removed from the neighborhood of the creeks, the soil 
is of a different quality, light, sandy, and tolerably produc- 
tive ; sometimes reposing on a peculiar clay, which, in wet 
seas ns, lenders itsomewhat miry. The soil of the south- 
ern part of the district is light, but towards the north is of 
a superior quality. 

The lands generally in Fairfield are adapted to the culture 
of the small grains, all of which grow well. Cotton, of the 
short staple, is cultivated fo the greatest advantage. Upon 
an extensive plantation 7 or bOO pounds in the seed are con- 
sidered a good average product ; 2000 pounds per acre^ 
however, have been gathered from fields of considerable 
extent; owned by the late Gen. Pearson and Mr, Reuben 
Harrison. This great production was, besides, the effect of 
manuring. The lands were uplands, in the vicinity of 
Broad river. The products of Indian corn are from 10 to 
50 bushels per acre ; of wheat about 15 bushels. 

Fairfield district is bounded as follows : On the north by 
Chester district, from wliich it is separated by a line run= 
ning from the mouth of Rocky creek, to Catawba river, 
S. 60, W. 30 miles, until it intersects the Broad, at the 
mouth of Sandy river ; on the west and southwest by Broad 
river, which divides it from Union, Newbeny, and Lexing- 
ton districts ; on the south by a line drawn from Little 
river, beginning one mile above the month of Shaffer's 
creek, S. S8, E. I7h miles to the corner of Kershaw, whicli 
divides it from Richland district; on the southeast by aline 
drawn from the last mentioned point, or corner, N. 18. 15, 
E. 14 miles 23 chains,, to the intersection of Wateree river, 
where Cornel's creek enters it, which divides it from Ker- 
shaw; and on the n^ rtheast bv the Wateree and Catawba 
rivers, up as high as the mouth of Rocky creek, which 



o'6'S 

diyides this district from a part of Lancaster and Kershaw, 
By a close computation, Fairfield contains 471,040 square 
acres, being on an average 32 miles long, and 23 in width- 

DISTRICT TOWNS— VILLAGES, 

Winnsborough is the seat of justice of the district, and is 
one of the most pleasant and flourisliing villages in the state. 
It lies in latitude 34° 19' 28" N. and longitude 0° 5'0" W. 
from Columbia, from which it is distant, in a straight line, 
251 miles. It is situate on the dividing ridge, between the 
waters of Wateree and Broad rivers ; a main branch of the 
Wateree creek heads near the village, also a main branch 
of the Little river, a water of Broad river, called Jackson's 
creek. The heads of these streams furnish excellent springs 
of water. The elevation of the ground on which the town 
stands, has been estimated at 340 feet above the Wateree 
river, at the junction of the Wateree creeks ; and about 
493 feet above the ocean. 

There are few, if any, more healthy places in the state, 
than Winnsborough. The lands around are fertile, gently 
undulating, and highly improved. The houses are built 
mostly on one street, though otiier streets are laid out, and 
have been considerably improved. It has a handsome court- 
house and jail, an academy, (formerly a college,) which is 
richly endowed and very flourishing ; three churches, a 
masonic hall, and a market house. The number of private 
houses (some of which are handsome) is about fifty ; there 
are two houses of entertainment, and eight or ten store?. 
Two considerable saw gin factories are carried on here. 
Winnsborough is remarkable for having been the head quar- 
ters of lord Cornwallis, in the revolutionary war, after the 
defeat of Ferguson at King's mountain, when he retreated 
from Charlotte. Mount Zion college was established in 
this/place before the war, and received an act of in corpora- 



540 

tion in 1777. It was formerly in high repute, and conferred 
degrees. * There are two other villages in the district ; 
Monticello, which contains the Jefferson academy, to the 
founding of which institution the venerable patriot, in honor 
©f whom it received its name, liberally contributed. Mon- 
ticello is situate between the waters of Little river and 
Wilkinson's creek. It contains a few houses, besides the 
academy^ and is in a healthy, rich, and populous neighbor- 



Rocky Mount, sometimes called Grimkiviile, in honor 
of the late venerable Judge Grimki, contains a few houses, 
and must be a considerable place at some future day. It 
commands a fine view of the Catawba river, its numerous 
islands and rapids, and the mountainous elevation along its 
banks for many miles. There is another settlement, re- 
sorted to by the wealthy planters of the Wateree during 
the fall months, situate on a high sand ridge, east of Winns- 
borough, and a few miles from the river, called Long Town. 
An academy has lately been established here, which pro- 
mises to be permanent and useful. The situation of the 
settlement is very healthy and free from every source likely 
to originate disease. 

There is another academy^ called Broad river academy, 
about eight miles below Monticello, which is in operation, 
and promises usefulness. 

RIVERS— CREEKS — 'NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

The Broad river is navigable the whole extent of the dis- 
trietj as also the Catawba and Wateree, (which is one and 

* This institution has gone again into successful operatio!i, and re- 
alized considerable funds to enable it to be put upon the most respec- 
table footing. It has now at the head of its literary department a 
gentleman of the first classical attainments, Mr. Stafford, whose pe- 
culiar talent for teaching is evidenced by the success which attend- 
ed his charge of the Plattspring academy, which he conducted for 
many years. 



541 • 

iiie same river, the change of name from Catawba to Wa- 
teres occurring where the Wateree creek comes in,) as far 
as the river bounds the district. Little river is navigable 
now for a short distance above its confluence with Broad 
river, and is said to be capable of a much more extended 
navigation. Little river is a very important stream. Its 
main branch, Lee's creek, rises several miles within the 
Chester line, and runs nearly parallel with Broad river, en- 
tirely across the district, in its greatest breadth, before emp- 
tying into Broad river. It has numerous branches. About 
the centre oi' the district it forks into three principal streams^ 
A few miles below the fork it receives Jackson's creek^ af- 
terwards Mill creek, then Morris creek, all on the east 
side. Several other streams enter into Little river on both 
sides, but of minor importance. 

The next most considerable stream is Wateree creek. It 
rises in two main branches, called big and little Wateree 
creeks, on opposite sides of the district, 14 miles apart; thesej, 
after receiving numerous smaller streams, unite about five 
miles from the river. The creek discharges itself into the 
Wateree river, about 3? miles above the line of Lancaster 
and Kershaw districts. This stream is noted for extensive 
bodies of low grounds of great fertility. The adjacent up- 
lands are also excellent. 

The next water course of the greatest extent in Fair- 
field, is Dutchman's creek. Its main fork has its source 
within a mile of a branch of the little Wateree, near the 
road leading to Columbia, six miles from Winnsborough., 
and after receiving another branch, parallel with the little 
Wateree, meanders through a rich bottom land about eigh- 
teen miles, and fails into the Wateree river, about three 
miles below Peay's ferry. Beaver creek, emptying into 
Broad river, is a beautiful stream, and noted for being the 
first place of settlement in the district by a white popula- 
tion4 It is divided into two principal branches, the highest 
of which rises about twelve miles from its mouth. The 



542 

lands on this water-course are very fertile. On the hemp- 
patch fork of this creek are several strong sulphur springs. 
The two head branches of Cedar creek, (the big and little 
Cedar waters of Richland,) rise in this district on the south 
side. The latter heads up near the little Wateree, and the 
former not far from the Cedar fork of Dutchman's creek. 
Rocky creek discharges its waters at the northeast corner 
of the district, just above Grimkiville and Cornell's creek, 
at the southeast corner. The other waters of the Wateree 
river, are in the following order, according to extent : — 
Sawney's, two branches, Twenty-five mile creek ; Morris, 
Fox, Bear, and Crooked creeks. Those of Broad river, 
are Wilkinson's, Terrible, Rock, Goodocon, and Cool branch, 
a water of Sandy river, which discharges immediately at 
the northwest corner of the district. A number of islands are 
formed in the two large rivers, opposite to Fairfield district. 
In Broad river, there are Taylor's, Henderson's, Wean's, 
Pearson's, Hampton's, Ameck's, Hewitt's, and Smith's 
islands. In Wateree, are Stark's, Arledge's, and Mont- 
gomery's islands ; all fertile, and some of them in cultiva- 
tion. 

I'ALUE OF LAND— -PRICE OF PROVISIONS AVERAGE VALUE 

OF THE WHOLE. 

The value of land varies considerably in different parts 
of the district. Whilst some will bring from ^20 to $30 
an acre, others will nut bri.g gS. Averaging the whole at 
glO, will be about a correct valuation for a productive soil. 
When we examine into the value of the produce of these 
lands, in the aggregate, namely, from 200 to 250 lbs. of 
clean cotton, or 25 bushels of corn, or 15 of wheat, each 
worth, clear of expenses, from $10 to $20 per acre, we shall 
be satisfied, that an average of $10 an acre is not too high a 
price for these lands. If we allow that there are only 
50,000 acres under cultivation in the district, (which is in 



545 

ihe ratio of one to eight of uncleared land,) the value of the 
whole products raised in Fairfield, would be equal to i,254,- 
000. Columbia is the principal market to which the pro- 
duce of this district is now sent ; from thence it is boated 
by the merchants to Charleston. A few of the planters and 
merchants of Fairfield still send their crops to Charleston, 
and a few have made trial of the Hamburg market, 

TIMBER TREES -FRUIT TREES. 

Our forests are filled with the finest timber, and in great 
variety. Exclusive of the indigenous trees, the following 
are the most noted : — The poplar, hickory, (several kinds,) 
walnut, pine, beech, birch ; white, black, and red oak ; Spa- 
nish, post, and Turkey, or willow, oaks ; ash, elm. Linden, 
black and sweet gum, sugar, cherry, nsaple, sourwood, dog-' 
wood, alder, spicewood, sassafras, cucumber, Judas tree, 
hackberry, ironwood, papavv, cotton, and the red cedar. 
The exotics, naturalized, are, pride of India, Lombardy 
poplar, balm of Gilead, arbor vitse, &c. The wild fruits 
are crab apples, chinguepins, persimmons, black haws, red 
haws, plums, sloes, currants, or service berries, strawber- 
ries, May apple, whortleberries in variety, papaws, mulber- 
ries, sugarberries, raspberries, blackberries, wild gooseber- 
ries, hazelnuls, walnuts, hickory nuts in variety, cherries, 
chesnuts, prickly pear, muscadines, and other wild grapes, 
many of which are excellent. The tame fruit trees, are 
peaches, quinces, apples, pears, apricots, figs, pomegranates, 
cherries. Malmsey plums, hard siiell almonds, damsons in 
great variety, grapes, several kinds of melon, &c. &c. 

EXPENSES OF LIVING — PRICE OF LABOR. 

These are both moderate ; boarding in the country is 
from 6 to gS per month ; at the regular taverns, from 3 to 
^4/per week. Field hands hire at the rate of 80 to ^100 a 
vear and found. 



544 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY, 

This district lies in a region temperate and salubrious. 
In the immediate vicinity of the water-courses, with rich 
and extensive bottoms, intermittent and remittent fevers 
occur in the fall. The recent opening of rich low grounds 
has had a marked effect in rendering the country more 
sickly. The repeated culture of these low grounds, how- 
ever, will eventually rectify this evil, and restore health to 
these situations. The heads of all the water-courses are 
healthy, also the ridges of hiji;hlands. Taking the average 
of deaths in the year, there are few if any districts in the 
upper country more healthy. The evidences of the favora- 
ble character of the climate are in the many instances of 
longevity, which have been, and are now, found in the 
district. The following are the most conspicuous. 

Mr. Watts is said, on good authority, to have died many 
years a^o, aged 126 ; Mr. and Mrs. Helms, said to be up- 
wards of 100 years ; Jonathan Luellin and William Holley 
survived their hundredth year ; Patrick Smith, born in 
Ireland, resided here for 50 years, and died in 1808, aged 
103 ; Mrs. Austin, born in Virginia, was the mother of 21 
children, nearly all of whom lived to maturity. She was 
healthy and strong through life. After a residence of 45 
years in Fairfield, she died in 180^, aged 84. Job Meador, 
who came to the settlement with the Mobleys, died in Octo- 
ber, 1822, at the advanced age of 101 years; James Philips 
died upwards of SO years of age ; Mrs. Graves, mother 
of Mr. Reuben Harrison, at upwards of 100 years ; James 
Roebuck, at 87 ; Andrew Feastee, at 82 ; Charles D. Brad- 
ford, at 84 ; Mrs. Daigan, grandmother of Gen. Strother, 
at 96 : Mrs. Strother, at 86 ; Mr. Tidwell, at 105 ; James 
Newton, at 94 (Mr. Newton was a true Nimrod ; his fortune 
was in his rifle: he killed the last elk that was ever heard of in 
this part of the country); Mrs. Helms, 100 ; Joseph Helms^ 
100 ; Richard Howard, 106; Mrs. Shirly is 105 years of age; 
Jennings Allen, a soldier at Braddock's defeat, will be 100 



years old in a lew months ; Richard Gatker, about 100 j; 
Adam Free is 89 years of age ; Mrs. Bradford, 84 ; John 
Austin, S2 ; Mr. Humes, 97 ; Mr. M'Crore, about 90 ; 
Philip Pearson, David James, Thomas Knighton, Thomas 
Muse, and Job Ovvin, are about SO years of age ; William 
Coleman, Robert Shirley, Isham Mobley, and several 
others, average in their ages upwards of yO. Many of the 
above persons are still active and sprightly, and none more 
so than Mr. Allen. 

STATE OF THE IIOABS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES. 

The nature of the soil of this district operates very much 
against our having good roads at that season of the year 
when the wagons travel on them ; at other times they are 
in pretty good order. It is in contemplation to form a 
company to construct a good road from Columbia to the 
North Carolina line, running through the centre of this dis- 
trict ; which probably will in due time receive the attention 
of the legislature. A vast number of wagons from North 
Carolina, York and Chester districts, pass through Fair- 
field, which renders it important that a good road should 
be constructed, though many are under the impression that 
the period is not far distant when the produce of all this 
country will be transported either by the Broad or Wateree 
rivers to Columbia or Camden, instead of being brought, 
down in wagons as it now is. 

The bridges in the district are all built of wood. On the 
main roads these ought to be constructed of stone ; they are 
then required to be but once built, whereas, built of wood 
they require renewal, in whole or in part, every ten j^ears. 
The stability of the government, the rapid progress of im- 
provement in the country, and the cs^acities of the state, 
are such as to justify the making of every public work per- 
nlanent. Broad river furnishes many ferries, and several 
fords, which are very well kept, as also those of Wateree= 



546 

Very good accommodations are now to be found in our 
public inns. 

MANUFACTURES, DOMESTIC AND OTHERS. 

*" Much attention is paid to manufacturing articles for 
family use, but nothing in the large way has yet been at- 
tempted. Our water-courses furnish numerous mill seats, 
but these works are either for ginning cotton, sawing lum- 
ber, or grinding grain. We have not less than fifteen or 
sixteen mills in operation for these purposes in the district. 
In describingWinnsborough we noticed that there were two 
considerable saw gin establishments at that place ; from 
these the country round is supplied with these useful ma- 
chines, so important to cleaning of the green seed cotton. 

POPULATION. 

This district is now evidently on the increase in popula- 
tion ; very few if any emigrations take place. The census 
of 1800 gave to Fairfield 10,343 inhabitants, of which 2,224 
were slaves ; twenty years after, the following was the re- 
sult ; whites 9,37S, slaves 7,748, free blacks 48 ; total 
17,174. 

There is every probability, from the many advantages of- 
fered by this district, that Fairfield will increase much more 
rapidly in population than heretofore, from its having so 
large a body of good arable land, being so contiguous to a 
market, possessing a favorable climate, and inhabited by 
an intelligent and hospitable people. 

FISH— GAME— BIRDS. 

Of the first we have the shad and sturgeon, in season, the 
sucker, fat-fish, re^horse, trout, pike, perch, eel, gar, 
carp, &c. Of game, we may count a few deer, and wild 
turkeys, some foxes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, minks, 
nnd muskrats. Of birds that migrate, there are the mar- 



54*/ 

tin, svvaiiow, wild duck, snowbird, robin, mocking-bird, 
thrush, cat-bird, humming-bird, woodpecker, snipe, whip- 
poorwill, plover, and king-fisher. Most of the following 
remain here all the year : jay, red bird, sparrow, also the 
wild turkey, partridge, dove, crow, hawk, owl, woodcock, 
and blackbird. The wild pigeon appears now and then; 
and the bald eagle is occasionally seen, 

NUMBER OF POOR— DEAF AND DUMB— BLIND— LUNATICS. 

The number of poor does not exceed 30, and the expense 
of keeping them about ^200. The poor fund is raised by 
adding a certain per centage upon the general tax of the 
district, which is not to exceed thirty per cent, upon our 
general tax. The sum paid for the poor amounts to less 
than three per cent. No lunatic persons known in the dis- 
trict. ', 

EDUCATION— SCHOOLS, PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AMD FREE. 

Much attention is paid to the education of youth in this 
district. Many respectable academies and private schools 
are established in various places. Those of a public nature 
have been already noticed. It remains to show the inter- 
est the state has taken in this important subject. By the 
report of the commissioners of free schools for the last two 
years, 8§3 poor children were educated in that period, at 
an expense of $3,220 37, all provided by the liberality of 
the state. This public munificence has been in operation 
now for fourteen years, and will eventually proi^fe of incal- 
culable benefit to the state, by preparing its citizens, evei> 
in the lowest circumstances, properly to appreciate their 
high privileges. The importance of religious instruction 
is not forgotten ; two Sunday schools are in operation near 
Monticello, and one in Winnsborough. 



54o 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS^SECTS, &6. 
There are seven Presbyterian congregations, having 
three officiating ministers, two Associate Reformed, having 
two ministers, and one Associate do., having one minister. 
The Baptists have five churches ; the Methodists six, 
which are supplied by two itinerant preachers, a presiding 
elder, and some local preachers. The Episcopalians have 
one small church lately formed at Winnsborough. In the 
Beaver creek settlement there are some Universaiists, who 
are not however regularly constituted into a society. 

Thre is perhaps no district in the state that numbers 
J more religious communicants for the population, than Fair- 
field. The number at Jackson's creek church equals 200, 

EMINENT MEN. 

Thos. Woodward was a native of Virginia, and emigra- 
ted to Fairfield a considerable time before the commence- 
ment of the revolution ; at which time he was advanced 
in years. He was the patron of orderly and honest men^ 
but the implacable and active enemy of persons ofa contra- 
ry character. Mr, Woodward was one of those persons 
who put the regulation on foot. The only court in the 
state was inCharleston ; the country abounded with depreda- 
tors on private property, especially stock ; and there was 
reason to believe that these dishonest operations result- 
ed from a perfect union among themselves. To convict a 
thief was next to impossible. The prosecutor and wit- 
nesses could not attend at the distance of 160 miles. Fe- 
lons took heart from a knowledge of this cir cumstance^, 
and committed these depredations in open day. 

The regulation was a necessary evil, and those engaged 
in it were the honest part of the community, associated to 
put down by unlawful, but just punishment, a host, who 
bad associated for their security and advantage in a course 
«}f Tillanv. Mr. Woodward suffered Qersecixtion for hxs 



q4B 

well intended exertions. In the dawn of the revolution 
he used his influence and arguments to rouse his country* 
men to action, and was foremost in the post of danger. 
Though not a man of letters, he was a most intelligent and 
well informed man, and his example had a happy eflfect 
in the day *^ when the stoutest held his breath for a time." 
He lived to see his country triumphant in the great cause 
he espoused with so honorable an enthusiasm, but this ter^ 
ror of evil doers at last fell by the hand of a bandit he had 
surprised in his career of guilt. 

General Richard Winn, was also a native of Virginia | 
at the beginning of the revolutionary struggle he entered 
into the regular service of this state. Having acquired 
glory in the battle of Fort Moultrie, he was sent to the 
Georgia frontiers, and commanded a company at Fort St. 
Ilia. The service was a most perilous one, and he was 
selected for it, on account of his superior merit, as an offi- 
cer ; shortly after his arrival at the fort he was attacked 
by a strong body of Indians and tories : these he beat off 
for two succeeding days ; on the third he surrendered 
with honorable terms to major general Prevost, at the 
head of a considerable regular force, supported by his al- 
lies. Capt. Winn returned to Fairfield after his defeat, 
if it can be properly called one, and took the command of 
a regiment of refugee militia. He was in several battles, 
and the success of the affair of Hook's defeat in York, and 
the Hanging rock in Lancaster, greatly depended on his 
heroic exertions. At the latter place, (said the great and 
good general Davie, who commanded a regiment of caval- 
ry,) when the firing had become pretty warm, Winn turn- 
ed around and said, "Is not that glorious!" He was 
wounded here, and borne off the field about the time the 
enemy effected his retreat. On his recovery, Winn conti- 
nue^ to afford general Sumter his able support, and ceased 
not to serve his country, whilst a red coat could be found 
in Carolina. He was a true patriot, and perhaps fought 



550 

m as many hard battles, in the revolutionary war, and with 
as firm a heart as any man living, or dead. Such a man, 
at such a time, was invaluable to his country. After the 
return of peace he was elected brigadier general, by the 
legislature of this state, and rose to the rank of major 
general in the militia. He also served as a county-court 
judge, with much ability, and filled a seat for many years 
in the congress of the United States. In addition to his 
other claims to the lasting gratitude of his country, Gen. 
Winn was a perfectly honest and honorable man. He 
removed to Tennessee in 1812, and died a short time af- 
ter. 

James Kencaid, was a native of Ireland. In the revo- 
lution he took that " better part" which so many others, 
both natives and foreigners, thought, at that time, was a 
hazardous enterprise, and would in the end be stigmatized 
and punished as a daring rebellion. Mr. Kencaid com- 
manded a troop of cavalry at the battle of the Eutaw, in 
which aflfair he greatly distinguished himself. He was 
very active in the service, and was a firm support to the 
great cause he had engaged in. He was, after the return 
of the better times, a member for Fairfield, in the state 
legislature, for many years. He was the first purchaser 
of cotton in the upper country, and did more than any 
other individual to enrich it by giving encouragement to 
the production of that great staple ot South Carolina. 

Capt Kencaid died of a malignant fever in Charleston 
In ISOO. 

Gen- John Pearson was a native of Richland district. 
He was a well educated and influential gentleman, and at the 
first alarm flew like a faithful son to his country's standard. 
He rose to the rank of major in the militia, was incessant 
in his exertions to fulfil his duty to the state, and bore the 
character of a brave and skilful oflicer. He was chosen 
colonel of Fairfield, (which until recently made but a sin- 
gle regiment) by a popular election, shortly after the war, 



551 

and was afterwards brigadier general. Mr. Pearson filled 
many civil offices, to the entire satisfaction of the peo-= 
pie. No man ever sustained a better character, or did 
more substantial good to the community in which he lived. 
His advice had the effect of parental admonition, and his 
bright example in all the relations he sustained, was a 
most useful and necessary example. He lived to see the 
province in which he was born take a respectable stand 
among the states of the Union, and died in 1817. 

Jacob Gibson removed to this state from North Carolina, 
in 1762. He was a minister of the Baptist persuasion, and 
a teacher. He was an excellent scholar, and a sound prac- 
tical preacher. There is no calculating the good which re- 
suited from his labors of love and patience. St. Parre es- 
teems the individual who introduces a new species of fruit, 
which may afford support to man, as more useful to his 
countryj and more deserving of its gratitude, than the lau- 
relled chieftain of victorious armies. Still more, we might 
add, is he to be esteemed, who spends, as Mr. Gibson did, 
forty years of his life in devotion to the propagation of the 
gospel, and in sowing the seeds of literature and refinement 
in a new and scarcely civilized settlement. Mr. Gibson 
died about the year 1796, but his memory is held in pro- 
found veneration by many who remember his exemplary 
worth. 

Col. Aromanos Lyles, Col. John Winn, and John Gray, 
Benjamin May, William Strothers, John Strothers, William 
Kirkland, Joseph Kirkland, Robert Hancock, John Bucha- 
nan, William McMorris, John Cook, Captain Balar, Cap- 
tain Watson, and Edward Martin, were among the brave 
defenders of their country, suffered in her cause, and closed 
in honor their mortal careers. 

NAMES OF PLACES, INDIAN OR OTHERWISE. 

The Indian names of streams and places are all extinct, 
except in the instances of the Wateree, (river and creek,) 



oB2 

and Catawba, which derive their names from the tribes 
formerly residing on their banks. The Chsrokees origin- 
ally possessed this country, but yielded it, by treaty, to the 
government, in 1755. By this treaty, a prodigious extent 
of territory was ceded, including, with this district, those 
of Edgefield, Abbeville, Laurens, Newberry, Union, Spar- 
tanburg, York, Chester, and Richland. The attachment of 
the first settlers to familiar or domestic names, induced 
them, no doubt, to retain these in preference to Indian 
names of streams, &c. 

ROCKS, GEANIIE, FREESTONE, SOAPSTONE— MINERALS. 

Lying within the granite region, this district has an abun- 
dance of the finest granite rock, for building purposes ^ 
soapstone, sandstone, slatestone, gneiss and hornblend, are 
occasionally to be seen. There is a remarkable high rock 
near the road leading from Columbia to Winnsborough, 
(four miles from the latter,) called, from its appearance, the 
anvil rock. The stone used in the court-house, was ob- 
tained about six miles south of the village, though there is 
little doubt but that it might be procured nearer. The 
ijoapstone is mostly found on the Broad river side of the dis- 
trict, and is of a fine quality, with little or no grit, and ca- 
pable of being sawed without much trouble. Rock crystals 
are common, also crystalized quartz. Iron abounds ; also 
pyrites. A mineral spring is found near Captain I. L. 
Yorgue's, which possesses cathartic qualities, and is » good 
rleal in use on tiiat account. 

MATEHIALS FOR BUILDING. 

Besides the various stones already mentioned, excellent 
clay is found for making brick. Good pine timber is by no 
means plenty, but there is the finest poplar, oak. maple,. 
cherry, walnut, &c. Of the first, there are trees which will 
measure eighteen or twenty feet round, and of majestic 



553 



AGBJCULTURE- — WASTS LANDS WHAT 1MPE0VE3IENTS 

SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

Some little progress in agriculture has been made in se- 
veral parts of the district ; a system of culture has been 
begun, tending to lessen the impoverishment of the soil, 
and to improve its capacity to produce. It is a cause of 
regret, that our planters and farmers generally, do not yet 
see the advantage and necessity of adopting the manuring 
system on their lands, which is sure to add to their produc- 
tive powers, and save the forest from the destroying axe. 

The rapid disappearance of our forest trees, is a serious 
evil, and much to be deplored. We ought to recollect there 
are no mines of coal that we can have resort to for fuel, and 
we ought now to resolve to let the evil done in this respect 
suffice, and direct our attention to husband our resources, 
preserve our woods, clear little more land than is absolutely 
necessary for cultivation, manure that which is already 
cleared, and thus establish, upon a permanent footing, the 
agricultural interests of the country, and recommend our 
prudence to the gratitude of succeeding generations. 

One of the principal improvements wanted in the district 
relates to this subject, and every effort should be made to 
establish a system of cultivation adapted to the peculiar cir- 
cumstances of the country, and which will insure its pros- 
perity. 

LITERATURE — LIBRARIES — STATE OF THE ARTS, 

The people of this district are fond of reading, and many 
are provided with excellent private libraries. Being the 
seat of a college at one time, and now of several academies, 
a taste for literature has disseminated itself among the people. 
In the fine arts but little progress has been made, though & 
tast^is gradually forming. 

In the various mechanical arts, Fairfield is as far advanced 
53 most of her sister distriRts>> 



554 



AMOUNT OF TAXES. 

The returns to the treasury make the taxes paid by this 
district amount to upwards of ^T,200. The taxes are laid 
on lands, lots, negroes, stock in trade, and professions. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

The singular veneration of the Indians for the rattles- 
snake has been frequently remarked by those conversant 
with the character and customs of the aborigines of this 
country. This was the cause of their sparing the lives of 
these animals. The native generosity of the rattlesnake, 
in never attacking his enemy without giving him notice^ 
defending himself, but not proving the first aggressor, is 
said to be the ground of this predilection of the Indians in 
favour of these reptiles ; hence they were found On the first 
settlement of the country to have attained to a great age, 
and were ol enormous size. The circumstance above 
alluded to may account for some extraordinary accounts of 
the size of rattlesnakes killed by the first white settlers : 
one of which we shall now proceed to relate. The fact 
appears to be well confirmed, by a number of credible wit- 
nesses, (some of whom are still living,) so that no doubt 
exists respecting its validity. The first settlers on the head 
waters of Beaver creek were under the necessity of confining 
themselves to Fort Waggoner, for protection from the In- 
dians. A young man by the name of James Phillips went 
out with a hunting party, and on his return, near the fort 
he shot a rattlesnake, which, on examination, was found to 
have a fawn in its stomach. This circumstance (observes 
D. R. Coleman, Esq.) has been related to me by Phillips 
himself, and by a number of others who saw the snake 
when brought into the fort, and the fawn taken out of it. 
From the good character these men had amongst their 
?ieighbors as men of veracity? and my own long acquaint 



ODD 

aace with Phillips, I have no doubt hnt that he Itilled the 
snaiie, and that it had a fawn in its stornacli.* 

Catesby describes a rattlesnake measuring eight feet in 
leno;th. We have an account of atreesnake which nipasur- 
ed six (eet in length, in whose sto;naeh six young; swallows 
were found, and when killed, was in the act of catching 
more of these birds. 

Broad river, called originally Eswaw Huppeedaw, or 
Xjine river, divided the empire of the Cherokees from the 
Catawbas. Tiie latter v,;ere a numerous and brave people, _ 
They recei,ved the white settlers kindly, and treated them 
with great generosity. The Cherokees adopted a contrary 
policy — plundered the white«, and shed their blood in nu- 
merous wars, waged with a view to plunder, and conducted 
in the true savage spirit. 

The early settlers followed hunting, trapping, and rais- 
ing stock, but these pursuits were often interrupted by- 
excursions of the enemy into the infant settlements. It 
became necessary to construct forts in every little neigh- 
borhood. The first of these was Fort Waggoner. It was 
erected in the Cherokee war of 1760, on Beaver creek, six 
miles above its mouth ; into this the poor scattered inhabit- 
ants flocked, and received its protection until the end of 
the war. Their meat was obtained by hunting, and their 
bread was brought on pack-horses from the Congaree. 

A fort was erected at Philip Raiford's, opposite Pearson^s 
island ; one at John Hick's, at the plantation of P. Pearson^ 
Esq. ; another at James Andrews', now Major Player's, 
This chain efforts continued down to M 'Cord's ferry. 

A short time after the Lyies settled on Broad river, 

^ Major T. Means, in remarking on this subject, observes: " The 
killing of the snake with the fawn in it, was related to me by J. Phil- 
lips, am the spot where it occurred shown me in one of my fields. The 
circumstance was also attested to me by Albert B'iam and othe:% 
who were eye \vitncsses of the fact. 

Y r3 



566 

Edward Mobley, from Virginia, with six sons, all witli 
families, settled on Beaver creek, in the vicinity of Wag- 
goner's Fort, from whom the settlement on that creek has 
taken the name of Mobley settlement. There is one cir- 
cumstance connected with these early settlers that appears 
extraordinary to us at the present day, which is, that none 
of the lands were surveyed until ten years after they were 
taken up, and then none of the surveys exceeded 200 acres. 
The first settlers built their log cabins near the mai'gins of 
creeks or rivers. At the termination of the Cherokee war 
of 1760, settlers arrived from the Palatinate, Pennsylvania, 
Virginia, Ireland, and Wales. Wilkinson's creek was the 
seat of the Welch. 



GEORGETOWN. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT — ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

The ground on which Georgetown stands was originally 
granted to Mr. PeiTy, the ancestor of the present KinlockSj 
early in the eighteenth century. It was, through mistake, 
granted a second time to the Rev. Mr. Screven, the first 
Baptist minister in South Carolina, and one of the first set- 
tlers in the province ; who soon after laid off the place in 
lots, and assigned one for the use of the Episcopalians, one 
for the Baptists, and one for the Presbyterians. After this 
had been done, Mr. Cleland, who had married the daugh- 
ter of Mr. Perry, claimed, and recovered the land by vir- 
tue of his elder grant ; but in the year 1737, confirmed 
Mr. Screven's sales of lots, in consideration of the receipt 
of a small additional price paid by each proprietor. 

A tradition prevails, that in the year 1700, a large vessel, 
supposed to be the Rising-sun, belonging to Glasgow, with 
346 passengers on boardj came without a pilot, up Sawpii 



557 

creek, to the place where Georgetown now stands ; but 
finding no inhabitants there, only Indians, the captain made 
for Charleston. On his arriving near the bar, he was board- 
ed by a pilot, who told him his vessel could not enter the 
harbor without lightehing. The captain being in distress^ 
sent his long-boat with the Rev. Mr. Stobo and some others, 
to solicit assistance. Before the boat returned, a hurricane 
took place, in which the vessel and every soul on board were 
lost. Tradition states further, that the same hurricane broke 
©pen the north inlet, and that previously, there had been only 
one inlet from the sea to Winyaw bay. The tradition, as 
far as respects the loss of the ship, the hurricane, and the 
preservation of the Rev. Mr. Stobo, is supported by well 
linown historic documents. The other particulars, that a 
vessel came over Georgetown bar, without a pilot, which 
could not cross Charleston bar with one, if true, is very 
remarkable. It is rendered probable from the circumstance^, 
that the bar of Georgetown has, from that time to the pre- 
sent, been constantly growing worse.* 

SITUATION. BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Georgetown presents a considerable front to the ocean^ 
from which it is divided by a sand ridge, and a chain of 
islands. Its boundaries are as follow : — On the S. W, by 
the south Santee river, as far up as Leneud's ferry, which 
divides it from Charleston district. On theN. W. by Wil= 
liamsburg, from which it is divided by the main road, lead- 
ing from Leneud's ferry, by Potato feny, (across Black 
river,) to Briton's ferry, across the great Pedee river. On 
the N. E. by a part of IMarion district, to the mouth of th© 

* If the fact is so, that the hurricane opened a new channel for the 
waters through the north inlet, it is very probable that a much deeper 
cMnnel than that which now is, existed previous to the hurricane, 
and the further fact, that the bar has been found to increase? seenxs 
*.o confirm the traditionary record. 



little Pedee ; on the east by the great Pedee, to themoutii 
of Bull creek ; thence by this creek, into the Waccatnaw 
river, down the Waccamavv to a point, about a quarter of 
a mile below the mouth of Frances creek, and thence by a 
straight line, drawn N. 86J E. 5 miles, 67 chains, or until 
It intersects the sea-shore, at a cedar post, planted at low 
water mark ; ail vvhich lines divide this from Horry dis* 
trict ;— -and on the S. E. by the Atlantic ocean, including 
all the islands, to the mouth of south Santee river. 

The lengjth of the district averages 38 miles— breadth, 24^ 
and includes 553,680 acres.. 

^^ATUEE OP THE SDIL—PRODUCTS—QUANTITr PER ACRE=. 

The river lands are composed of a deep rich mould, of 
jEexhanstible fertility ; next to these are the inland swampsj 
but the pine ridges and fiats are composed of little else than 
sand, bottomed however on clay, and some of them having 
a productive soil. 

The most valuable lands in the disti'ict, are those called 
the tide lands (capable of being overflowed). These con^ 
stitute the famous rice lands of this district, from which sq 
inuoh wealth has been, and still continues to be, derived hy 
the planters. The safest and most productive of these ricCi 
swamps are those on the Waccamaw, Sawpit, and Santee 
rivers. They are ail banked in, and secured with flood- 
gates, so as to keep out or let in the water at pleasure. The 
yield of these lands is immense ; 2400 pound- of clean rice 
Iiave been often made to the acre ; the common average is 
three barrels, or 2000 pounds. Little corn is raised in the 
district ; every thing is fed on rice ; horses and cattle eat the 
straw and bran ; hogs, fowls, &c. are sustained by the re° 
fuse, and man subsists upon the marrow of the grain. 

Next to rice, cotton is most raised in the district ; where 
the inland s -amps have been reclaimed, and planted in 
cotton, they have proved very productive. Some of the 
uplands are, planted also in cotton^ and yield very well ; but 



659 

chey are better calculated for raisin^; provisions, particularly 
of the esculent tribQ. Instances have occurred where 300 
bushels of sweet potatoes have been produced from one acre, 

DISTRICT TOWN. 

The name of the district is that of the seat of justice, 
Georgetown is situate on the north side of Sampit river^ 
near its junction with Winyavv bays ^'^^ i" ^ straight line 
8i miles from the sea. 

The river opposite the town makes a curious bend^ 
(almost back again to its mouth,) forming a lon^ narrow 
peninsula ; it then bends away west and south nearly to its 
source. 

Vessels of considerable burden come up the Sampit, as 
there are i2| feet water on the bar. They lay their sides 
close to the wharves. Georgetown is well situated for trade 
having in its neighborhood many fertile lands, an extensive 
back country, a safe harbor, and great facilities to the ocean. 
The Sampit is bordered for many miles, on both sides, by 
the most valuable rice lands. About three miles north oi 
the town the Pedee and Black river form a junction, and 
very soon unite with the Waccamaw river. In front, to 
the south and east, the Winyaw bay stretches its wide ex- 
panse of \vaters ; so that Georgetown may be said to ht. 
seated among rivers. 

The best way to get a proper idea of Georgetown, is to 
view it from the top of some high building. It then 
appears to be a considerable place. The number of houses, 
is estimated to exceed 300. The white population is be=- 
tween 6 and 700 : and the black about 12 or 1400, 

The public buildings are a court-house and jaii^ and three 
places of religious worship ; one for Episcopalians, one for 
Baptists, and one for Methodists. The court-house has. 
hee/i lately erected of brick, and is a great ornament to the 
vown. The jail is wcil kept, great attention being paid to 
■Tii- rrrnfort and ronveniejice of the prisoners. There is 



66(^ 

also a public library here, and an institution eallecl the 
Winyaw Indigo Society, incorporated in iTSfj. The ori^ 
ginal deaio;n of the founders of this institution was of a pa= 
■ftriotic and charitable nature. It had in view the improve- 
Hient of the culture and manufacture of indi2;o, and the 
endowment of a free-school. The object of the society is 
BOW wholly confined to the education of orphan children, 
^ince its commencement, there have been supported and 
educated upon its bounty, between 3 and 400 orphans. 
From the continual accession of new members, the funds 
are in a flourishing condition, which enable the society to 
educate SO children annually. 

The markets of Georgetown are not well supplied with 
jneats ; but this is of the less importance as the spa furnishes 
abundance of fish and oysters. 

The diseases of Georgetown are mpstly of the bilious 
jremittent, or double tertian character, approximating to that 
of a continued form. In 17J^0, f^^versand agues, or simple 
tertians, were common, and might be said to be endemical ; 
but since the population of the place has increased, and the 
^ands in its neighborhood have been cleared and put under 
cultivation, fever and agues seldom occur. 

But as for health, Georgetown can never possess the ad- 
Vantages which Charleston does, surrounded with salt 
water, and liable to no alluvial or vegetable depositions, to 
which Georgetown is subject, seated among so many ex- 
tensive fresh water rivers. Still, as the country improves, 
5jnd the inland swamps are brought into cultivation, it 
Ijiust improve in this respect also, and become a place of 
considerable commercial importance. If the inlet to the 
barbor of Georgetown was capable of improvement, so as 
to admit the safe entrance of large vessels, the vast trade 
which now passes by it, might be induced to stop here. 
However, the insuperable difficulties that attend theperma- 
nent removal of the bars, formed at the entrance of Win^ 
yaw bay, will prevent this port from ever possessing morf 






561 

than the coasting or West India trade. The vast fi-nods of 
water which descend the rivers, dischare;ing; into this bay, 
are loaded with such quantities of matter, that when met 
by the tides of ocean, they occasion considerable deposi- 
tions to be made at the mouth of the inlet ; so that we are 
rather to apprehend an increase of the evil, than a decrease 
of it. Accordina: to the natural operation of rivers, (left 
to themselves,) we must expect to see Winyaw bay lessen^ 
ing in depth annually, until finally its width shall be re- 
duced to that of its outlets. There is no doubt but that 
all the low or marsh lands within North Island, are the 
product of the rivers above ; as also the islands formedj 
and forming, in the bay. The same causes are still opera- 
ting, but in a greater degree, as the lands on these rivers 
are cultivated ; consequently the same effects will followo 
There was a period, (and that probably not exceeding 500 
years ago,)when North Island did not exist, and Winyaw 
bay, unobstructed, opened its wide waters directly into 
the ocean; but in the course of the silent unvarying opera- 
tions of nature, the alluvion of the rivers, joined to the 
tides and storms of the ocean, opposing their sandy heaps^ 
commenced forming a bar, which has increased to what it 
now is ; and which will continue to increase steadily, (in- 
land at least,) whatever changes the sea may make out- 
wardly. 

The inhabitants of Georgetown, and its vicinity, have 
a delightful and salubrious retreat in the sickly season, on 
North Island, and the adjacent sea islands. A happier situ- 
ation is not to be found any where ; for here perpetual 
breezes and saline vapours are constantly rising from the 
ocean. Three hours bring the citizens from the town to 
the sea. The good things of this life, are here really en- 
joyed by the inhabitants in abundance ; for the land and the 
OC;ean lay their treasures at their feet.* 

* North Island is celebrated as the first landing place in the 
United Statesj of the great La Favette, after he left France, to 



Georgetown carries on considerable tracle with Charles- 
ton, in rice, cotton^ staves, tar, pitch, and turpentine : 
but little of these is esporied elsewhere. 

A very curious method is adopted by those who bring 
Car to this market. They make the barrels up into a kind 
of raft. A large pine tree is completely hollowed out, 
in the manner of a canoe, the sides turned in, very nar- 
row at the top, or, as the seamen say, "tumbling; in." 
This kind of canoe the slightest force oversets. On each 
Bide of this frail hark are placed two, three, or more 
tiers of tar barrels. Spars, or poles, are then laid across 
the canoe, and the barrels, and the whole are secured 
by lashings, commonly made of vines, or hickory. The 
patroon, or timoncer of this frail machine, sits upon it, or 
stands and guides it, by a rude helm. 

Georgetown, diiring the revohitionary war, suffered con- 
siderably, by the fire from a British armed vessel, which 
laid a great part of it in asnes ; but it presented better 
Iiouses afterwards, than those which were destroyed. 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

The character of the water-courses of this district, is most 
favorable to navigation. Although intersected in every di- 
rection by rivers and creeks, there is not one, save the 
Sampit, but what furnishes a complete navigation the whole 
extent of the district. The Santee here divides, and dis- 
charges its waters by two moutlis, into the ocean. The 
peninsula and ibiUnd thus formed, furnishes some most in- 
valuable rice lands. The Waccamaw and great Pedec, by 
means of Bull's creek, forma similar peninsula, from 3 
to 4 miles wide, the lower end of which possesses equally 
■valuable rice lands. 

embark liis lionor in the cause of the liberty of America. This land' 
ing took place in June, 1777, at the house of Capt. Eenj. linger; he 
^vas accompanied by Baron De Kalb. 



563 

About 3 miles north of Georgetown, the Pedee, though 
the largest river, loses its name in thai of Black river ; 
this river retains its name its whole course, which does 
great injustice to (he Pedee. Ail these rivers are remark- 
ably circuitous, and bordered with extensive low grounds, 
subject, where not embanked, to be overflowed in time 
of freshets. 

The Waccamaw rises from a lake in North Carolina, and 
runs almost a due suuth course, and, wiiich is remarkable 
in this river, almost parallel with the sea-shore. This cir- 
cumstance, and its contiguity to Little river, (only 14 miles,) 
at the mouth of which the chain of islands skirting the 
whole coast of North Carolina into Albermarle sound, and, 
with little interruption, communicating with the canal into 
Chesapeake bay, makes the Waccamaw river one of the 
most important water-courses in the southern states, con- 
nected with the national inlerests. There is very little 
question, that, should the general government ever enter 
upon the gre^t system of internal improvement, the Vv ac- 
camav^ river will constitute a part in the great chain of na- 
vigation, inland, along the coast. When this is effected, 
it will prove of immense benelit to the interests of George- 
town. The steam-boat system, now getting into common 
use, will, as soon as this navigation is opened, be establish- 
ed there permanently ; and not only the travelling, but most 
of the coasting trade, will be carried on through this channel. 

The Winyaw bay presents a noble sheet o water, in one 
place being 4§ miles wide. Its greatest outlet is less than 
a mile in width, and here the light-house stands. It has 
another outlet at the north end of North island, which is 
said to have been opened by the hurricane of 1700. Some 
attempts were made to improve this outlet without success. 

The surface of Georgetown district is indented with some 
very extensive bays, or swamps. Of these, Carver's bay 
occupies the largest area, being, in some places, nearly foui' 

7, Z ? 



564 

miles across ; this swamp lies between the waters of Black 
and Pedee rivers. 

The next in extent is Gapway bay, between the Sampit 
and Black river ; then follows Kilsock bay, which occupies 
a considerable surface of the flats between the Santee and 
Sampit rivers. 

A canal has been laid out, and mostly excavated, to com- 
municate between Winyaw bay and Santee river. It enters 
the bay about six miles below Georgetown, and into north 
Santee river by means of Kinlock's creek. A little above 
the mouth of this creek, another canal is cut, leading into 
south Santee. When this work is finished, a complete in- 
land communication will be opened from the mountains, by 
means of the Pedee, with Charleston. Steam-boats are ca- 
pable of navigating all the rivers of this district. Two ge- 
nerally ply on the Santee, and two on the Pedee. Beside* 
team-boats, vessels d^'awing twelve feet water are able to 
approach Georgetown, and, if required^ proceed higher up 
th§ adjoining rivers, 

FISH— GAME=— BUDS, &C. 

The waters of this district abound with the finest fish... 
tsoth of the fresh and salt water tribe» 

The shad and herring, in spring, ascend the rivers, and 
are caught in great quantities. There are also the trout^ 
pike^, bream, perch, sturgeon, rock-fish, terribin, soft shelled 
turtle, carp, silver-fish, &c. ; and from the salt waters, the 
drum, bass, sheep-head, mullet, cavalli, whiting, black-fish, 
and a variety of others ; besides oysters, crabs, sea-turtles, 
shrimps, clams, muscles, &c. 

Of game, there are plenty of deer, foxes, rabbits, raccoons, 
wolves, and some bears, &c. ; and of birds, the wild turkey, 
rice-bird, plover^ curlew, wild goose, canvass-back duck, 
and several other varieties ; partridges, snipe, woodcock, 
wild pigeon, Indian pullet, and innumerable other birds ; 



565 

besides eagieSj various species of hawks, owls, the black- 
birdj blue-bird, bulfinch, humming-bird, &c. &e. 

Alligators are found in abundance in the brackish and 
fresh tide waters. They grow sometimes to be twelve and 
fourteen feet long, and are extremely destructive to fish and 
animals, but it is very rare to hear of their attacking men. 

The rattlesnake is common in the district, as also a vari- 
ety of other snakes ; the bite of some of which is very ve- 
nomous. We are by no means free from those troublesome 
insects, the moscheto, and sand-fly,. 

TIMBER TREES-— FRUIT TREES. 

The pine is the most common tree in the district, though 
the river swamps abound in the cypress, and along the mar- 
gins with the various kinds of oak, hickory, poplar, chef- 
nut, red-cedar, beach, sycamore, laurelj, ash, cotton-tree^ 
and a variety of others. Contiguous to the sea, the live- 
oak is found abundant and very large ; but the cypress-tree 
(cupressies disticha) is the largest of the whole tribe, being 
iometimes thirty feet in circumference ; large canoei, re° 
quiring six or eight oarsmen, are sometimes made from a 
single tree ; their wood is valuable for ship and other 
building exposed to water. 

The fruits most common are, the peach, plum, apricotj 
nectarine, fig, cherry, strawberry, grape, orange, pome= 
granate ; besides the ground fruits, such as the water and 
musk melons, ground and grass nuts, &c. 

The woods abound with the wild grape, haw, fox-grapej 
blackberry, whortleberry, crab-apple, &c. ; also in a vari= 
ety of fragrant shrubs and vines, such as the yellow Jessa= 
mine, eglantine, honey-suckle, bay, magnolia, sweet sceHt= 
ed shrub, various kinds of lilies, the azalea, wild asters, 
?jn-flowers, wild-rose, vanilla, or Indian tobacc©. 



666 



VALUE OF LAND. 

The greatest contrast in the value of land exists in this 
district. The inferior uplands w mid scarce bring a5 cents 
an acre, while choice spots of tne first quality rice laads 
have actually been sold for 300 dolls, an acre. However, 
these last may be averajjjed as worth iOO dolls, an acre, the 
second quality 50 dolls. ; t'^e river and inland swamps re- 
claimed may be valued at t'le sama price ; and the best of 
the uplands, which would bring 150 lbs. of cotton to the 
acre, at 10 to 15 dolis. 

The vast increase in the value of these swamp lands 
when placed in a safe state for cultivation, oifers po^^ erful 
inducements to undertake the reclaiming of them ; added 
to this, the improvement by it of the country in health, 
which decides the expediency of the measure. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY. 

This district having a considerable front on the ocean 
possesses some advantages in climate over those lying more 
interior. The sea breeze is felt several miles back, and is 
very refreshing Were the country improved to the ex- 
tent it is capable of, the climate of Georgetown would, up» 
on the whole, be very pleasant. The winters are delight- 
ful, and the heats of summer are considerably meliorated 
hy a residence on the sea-shore. A few hours ride and sail 
brings you from any part of the district tu this place, which 
in one sense is the seat of perfect health during the whole 
year. 

Georgetown district has many instances to show, that its 
climate is favorable to long life, as well as to the increase of 
its inhabitants. Elizabeth Commander, the grandmother 
of Samuel Smith, who resided on Black river, 14 miles 
from Georgi^town, survived her SSth year, and brought up 
ten children to be men and women : the greatest part of 



567 

whom attained to the age of 71, and upwards, and her eld- 
est son Samuel to 94 ; to which advanced age he was a 
strong robust man, and his eyesigl t good,, ^ 

By the census of 1800, the number of families in 
Georgetown was l4 i ; of white inhabitants 024. In the 
twelve J ears preceding 1 80S there were 399 deaths, or 
about 33 in each year, or one in nineteen of the whole po- 
pulation ; of these 399 deceased persons, eight were be- 
tween 60 and 70 ; four between 70 and 80 : four between 
SO and 90 ; the eldest 87. Four were strangers, and twenty 
had not been resident above two years ; nine were drown- 
ed. The greatest number of deaths was in September 
and October. The least in January, February, March, and 
December. 

In 1807, when the influenza prevailed in Georgetown, 
several of the aged inhabitants died of it. Of five of 
these two were natives; the others foreigners, who had 
resided there upwards of 40 vears. The aggregate of their 
ages averaged 7 1 years for each individual. 

POPULATION-— TAXES—MANUFACTURES. 

The population of this district,according to the last census, 
is as follows : L830 whites; i5,546 slaves; 237 free 
blacks ; total, 17,603. In 1800 the population was 14,644,Gf 
which 2,f 50 were whites, 8f< free blacks, and 12,406 slaves. 
By this it will be seen that in twenty years the white 
population has decreased, whilst the black has increased 
one fourth in number ; asid as long as no measures are ta- 
ken to improve the health of the country by reclaiming the 
rich lands, that lie buried in swamps, this must be the re- 
sult ; for the white population in poor or moderate cir- 
cumstances will, whilst these drawbacks exist, emigrate to 
where health will be secured and a good soil reward their 

The taxes paid by this district amount to ^17,825 per 



lab^i 



568 

ammm, which is equal to one dollar a head for the whole 
population. No manufactures are carried on in this district 
During the embargo and war^ two salt works were esta- 
blished on the 3ea-shore, which manufactured some salt ; 
and these works are still carried on to some extent. The 
cultivation of rice and cotton in this district is too profitable 
to permit much attention to be given to manufactures. ■ 

EDUCATION— SCHOOLS, PRIVATE AND FREE. 

Attention at an early period was paid to this important 
subject. In 1741, Mr. Merrideth Hughes bequeathed £100 
apon trust, to be applied towards endowing a school in 
Georgetown. In 1756, the Winy aw Indigo Society was 
incorporated, the object of which was the endowment of a 
free school. Its funds are now confined to the education 
of orphan, children. Since its commencement, between 
three and four hundred orphans have enjoyed their bounty. 

Several private schools are established, but the rich plan- 
ters either have teachers in their iamilies, or send their 
children to Charleston to be educated. 

The poor generally, in this district, have had for many 
years the blessings of education tendered to them, by the 
liberality of the state, free of charge. The report of the 
commissioners, the last year, enumerated 149 poor children 
under tuition, at an expense of ^1800. 

STATE OF LITERATURE, THE ARTS, AGRICULTURE, &c. 

Much intelligence has always manifested itself in this 
district ; its wealthy inhabitants being well educated. Lite- 
rature is much cultivated, and a fondness for reading and 
literary research has grown out of the associations and 
leisure that occur during the summer and fall months, on 
the sea-shore. It is to be regretted that these interesting 
seasons should pass by without those agricultural discus- 
sions and pursuits being taken into consideration, tending 



569 

to improve the natural advantages of the district, secure its 
permanent prosperity, and increase its physical and pecuniary 
resources. No subject is more worthy the attention of 
the enlightened and wealthy citizens of Georgetown than 
the adoption of that system of agriculture which shall goto 
reclaim all the unreclaimed, swamp lands, (the gold mines of 
the district, as well as the origin of its diseases.) as from 
this source may be realized all that the most ardent lover of 
his country could desire. 

A library society has been instituted in Georgetown for 
many years. 

NUMBER OF THE POOR— MANAGEMENT AND EXPENSE OF 

THEM. 

The paupers of this district are supported by a tax, laid 
upon the general tax, amounting annually to something 
considerable. Besides this there is a specific sum ap= 
propriated every year by the legislature to meet the 
expenses of the transient poor (Georgetown being a sea 
port), equal to about ^1200= 

NUMBER OP BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB— LUNATIC PERSONS. 

Some few of this unfortunate class of our citizens are to 
be found here. 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF REI^'^SIOUS SECTS, 

The Baptists having been the first settlers, under the 
Rev. Mr. Screven, established the first church in the dis- 
trict. Then followed the Episcopalians, who, having the 
aid of the public treasury, under the royal government^ 
joined to a liberal subscription on the part of individualsj 
were enabled to erect one church in 1726, and another in 
1736. During the revolutionary war, the inside of this last 
church was burnt, but it has been since completely repaired. 
It is now flourishing, and its accommodations increased hf 



570 

the addition of a gallery, and a fine large organ, which cost 
s^lSOO, of which sum Mr. J. F. Pryatt generously gave 
^500. This church has established a permanent parochial 
fund for the support of its minister, a plan which highly 
recommends itself, for its propriety and usefulness, to all 
religious societies. 

To accommodate the population, which collect during 
the summer oii North Islari'l, a church has been erected 
there. The number of persons which assemble on this 
island, at this season, is between 6 and 700 

In point of numbers the Method'sts are the most nume- 
rous religious sect, taking in the whole district. 

EMINENT MEN. 

General Francis Marion, of celebrated memory, was a 
native of this district. He was born at Winyaw, in 1733. 
His grandfather was a native of Laiguedoc, and one of the 
many Protestants who tied from France to Carolina, to avoid 
persecution on the account of religion. The youth of Gen. 
Marion was marked by many remarkable instances of pre- 
servation in imminent dangers. In Lyttletou's expedition, 
against the Indians, in 1759, he went as a volunteer in his 
brother's militia troop of horse. In Grant's expedition to 
the Indian t^ountry, in 1761, he served as a lieutenant under 
Capt. William M-^ultrie On the formation of a regular 
army, in 1775, he was appointed a captain in the 2d South 
Carolina regiment, and gradually rose by merit to be a 
general of brigade soon after the fail of Charleston. 

Capt. William Allston served in Marion's brigade, and 
was a firm patriot and good soldier. He is the father of 
Washington Allston, the distinguished artist 

ROCKS, STONES, LIMESTONE— MATERL\LS ROR BUILDING. 
Georgetown, lying entirely within the alluvial region, 

* Gen, Marion, after the war, resided in St. John's, Charleston 
district, and died there, February 27th, 1795. 



571 

presents no appearance like rock, or even pebbles. Shells 
are sometimes found In a compact state. 

When these shells are burnt they furnish lime of excellent 
quality for buildina:- Most of the houses are built of wood^ 
(the district abounding with the finest and most durable 
cypress and pine,) yet excellent clay for making brick is 
plenty. 

WASTE LAND— QUANTITY RECLA.IMED--KXPENSE OP BANK= 
ING— IMPROVEMENTS WANITNG. 

Considerable quantities of waste land are to be found in 
this district, on its extensive bays, marshes, &c. Some of 
the river swanips have been reclaimed, and constitute the 
finest lands in the district. These are the rich rice landsj 
from whence the wealth of this section of the state is de= 
jfived. The quantity of swamp 'and thug reclaimed, how 
ever, bears but a small proportion to what remains yet to be 
done, and which waits to reward the industry of persevering; 
enterprise. 



GREENVILLE. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMEN T*-ORIGIS OF ITS KAMl-i, 

This section of the state received a few settlers in 176G'. 
chiefly from Virginia and Pennsylvania ; who advanced 
from north to south, and in front of the eastern settler^o 
Richard Paris settled at Greenville court-house, in 1776; 
and colonel Hite, at Morgan place, on Enoree river ; both 
from Virginia. In June, i776, the latter was killed by the 
-Indians, and his wife and two daughters carried away cap- 
tive- into the Indian nation. 

The progress of settlement v/as very slow for gevoral 

A A 3 



years, until the treaty with the Indians tools place, in 1777, 
when there was a great influx of inhabitants from the mid- 
dle provinces. The Cherokee war, in 1779, checked its 
growth, and broke up several flourishing settlements. 

These calamities were done away after that period, and 
the settlements went on with increasing vigor. Population 
advanced with gigantic strides. 

The name of the district, it is believed, was derived from 
the physical face of the country, presenting a remarkably 
¥erdant appearance. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Greenville is bounded on the north by North Carolina, 
from which it is divided by the mountains ; on the east and 
south by Spartanburg and Laurens districts, and on the 
west by the Saluda river, up to its source, at the Hickorj'^ 
head spring, which divides it fi'om Pendleton. Its extreme 
length from north to south, is fifty miles ; but its average 
breadth does not exceed twenty miles. By computation it 
eontains 414,720 square acres. 

2f ATURE OF THE SOIL— ADAPTATION TO PARTICULAR PRO- 
DUCTS—KIND OF CROPS. 

The soil is various, embracing the sandy, clayey, gravelly^ 
and stony character. Its productiveness is regulated by 
circumstances of position and culture ; most of the land ber 
ing capable of yielding a generous product in proportion to 
the industry bestowed by the cultivator. It is well adapted 
to the culture of ail the small grains and corn ; as also to- 
bacco and cotton of the green seed kind. The quantity of 
wheat produced to the acre, averages about 12 bushels ; of 
corn 25 bushels ;. of clean cotton 125 pounds per acre. 

DISTRICT TOWN, 

The village of Greenville is the seat of justice of thedis- 



575 

trict, and is beautifully situated on a plane, gently undulat- 
ing. The Reedy river placidly leaves its southern borders 
previous to precipitating itself in a beautiful cascadcj over 
an immense body of rocks. 

The village is regularly laid out in squares, and is rapidly 
improving. It is the resort of much company in the sum- 
mer, and several respectable and wealthy families have lo= 
cated themselves here on account of the salubrity of the 
climate. These have induced a degree of improvement^ 
which promises to make Greenville one of the most con- 
siderable villages in the state. It has been preferred for 
a residence to Pendleton, perhaps on account of its not 
being affected so immediately by the cold damps of the 
mountains, though equally distant from them. Paris 
mountain presents a fine relief to the eye, looking north 
from the village, being only seven miles distant from it. 
It feeds a number of streams, the principal of which are 
Reedy and Enoree rivers. Behind this elevated mound a 
grand range of mountains, bounding the state, sweeps a line 
nearly fifty miles in extent, and distant about twenty miles. 

The public buildings are, a handsome brick court-house^,, 
(lately erected,) a jail, a Baptist meeting house, an EpiscQ» 
pal church, and two neat buildings for the male and female 
academy. Of public houses there are three which will vie 
in accommodation and appearance with any in the state. 
The private houses are neat ; some large and handsome. 
Two of the former governors of the state had summer re^- 
treats here ; — Governors Allston and Middleton. Judge 
Thompson's house commands a beautiful view of the vil- 
lage. The number of houses is about 70, the population 
about 500. A paper is proposed to be printed here, which 
will probably succeed. 

/ 1AKES-— CREEKS— STREAMS. 

Greenville is finely watered, but has not the same ad- 
rantages , «f navigation, with the lower district. The 



Saluda and Tyger rix^ers are interrupted by rocks and fallsj 
of considerable extent. The stream promising the most 
favorable means of rectifying this deficiency, is the Reedy 
river, flowing through the midtlle of the district, and pass- 
ing by the court-house. It might, without great expense, 
be made use of, to feed a <^anal to communicate with Salu- 
da river, distant only 5 miles in a straight line from the 
village ; and by means of this river, under improvement 
by the state, a navigable intercourse may be had with Co- 
lumbia and Charleston. 

VALUE OF LAND— DIVISION OF PROPERTY. 

The value of lands varies from 5 to 20 dollars pef 
acre, according to situation and quality. Property is much 
divided. 

PRICE OF GRAIN, &C. 

Corn sells for 35 cents per bushel, wheat 75i, and cotton 
13 cents per pound. No provisions are sent to market ex> 
cept to the village. 

WHERE IS THE MARKET TO WHICH THE SURPLUS IS 
EXPORTED. 

Hamburg, Augusta, and Charleston, are the markets for 
this district. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES. 

The timber trees are the short leafed pine, poplar, ches- 
nut, white, red, and Spanish oak, some curled maple, black 
walnut, and wild cherry. The fruit trees are the apple, pear, 
quince, cherry, plum, &c. The time of flowering is in 
April 



a75 

EXPENSES OV LIVINGo 

The price of boarding in the country, is from 60 to 80 
dollars per annum. In the village from 3 to 6 dollars per 
week. 

CLIMATE—DISEASES— INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY. 

The climate of Greenville is one of the most delightful 
in the world. The lands are well drained, and the major 
part suffieiifntly far removed from the mountains, not to 
be affected by the vapors ; yet near enough to partake of 
their refreshing coolness in summer, and protection from 
the cold northern blasts in winter. The diseases are few, 
and partake of the chronic more than the bilious character. 
Instances of longevity are not rare. Among others arc 
Peter Carson, aged 107 ; and Mrs. Easely, who was the 
mother of 34 live born children, though she never had 
twins but once. 

TAVERNS' — STATE OV THE ROADS — BRIDGES — FERRIES. 

The nature of the country furnishes, in general, very 
good natural roads. The state road passes through this 
district, and crosses the Saluda mountain gap. Most of 
the main streams are bridged. The taverns are increas- 
ing in number, and improving in entertainment as the tra- 
velling increases. 

MANUFACTURES. 

formerly an armory was established in this district, on 
the waters of Reedy river ; but since the peace it has de- 
clined. Benson's iron works are in this district; and ano- 
ther formerly stood near the village, on Reedy river, 
which was burnt. 



576 



UIVISION OP THE INHABITANTS, AS TO THEIR OCCUPATION'. 

x'\.griculture constitutes the chief employment of the in- 
habitants, except the few who are necessarily engaged in 
professional and mechanical pursuits. 

POPULATION. 

The population of this district, by the last census, was 
14,530. There has been a considerable increase since 
1820. Few or no emigrations now take place. 

FISH— GAME— BIRDS. 

Fish of various kinds are caught in the streams ; such as 
the trout, red-horse, rock, &c. The birds are similar to 
those common in the upper country. 

WUMBEK OF POOR — DISTILLERIES. 

The number of poor, twenty-five. What few distiile" 
ries exist are domestic. 

EDUCATION. 

The education of youth has been latterly very much at- 
tended to. Two academies, one for males, the other for 
females, have been establishtd in the village of Greenville, 
and are not only well supported but have very able teach- 
ers. Besides these institutions, there are several private 
schools, established in various parts of the district ; and 
from the liberality of the legislature, the children of the 
poor are provided with the means of e luca ion. The re- 
turns of the commissioners of free sci^oois. for thp last 
year, show 1039 dollars expended, and 166 children edu- 
cated . 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF IIELIGIOUS SECTS. 
The religious societies in the district ai'e in number ac 



577 

cording to the order here named : Presbyterians, Method- 
ists, Baptists, and Episcopalians. 

2^AME6 or PLACES AND THEIB ORIGIN— INDIAN OR OTHER- 
WISE. 

The Indian name for the Saluda river is Chickawa, or 
Corn river ; and for the Tyger river, A-moy-es-check. 

HOCKS, GRANITE, MINERALS, &c.— MATERIALS FOR BUILDING, 

Rocks of granite, gneiss, quartz, &c. are found in great, 
abundance every where. No limestone has yet been dis- 
covered here. The lime used for building is brought either 
from Spartanburg or Pendleton. Minerals also, of several 
kinds have been discovered ; iron, yellow ochre, pyrites, 
lead ore, the emerald, kaolin, tourmaline, tatanium, yttro, 
columbite, and several others. Besides rock, very good 
brick, for building, is made of the clay found every where ; 
a proof of which may be had in the village. 

Materials of wood are neither so good nor plentiful as in 
the lower parts of the state. 

WASTE LANDS. 

No waste lands, properly speaking, are in this district 
Even to the tops of the mountains the soil is productive, 
and furnishes fine ranges for cattle. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEBI TO BE WANTING. 

This district is susceptible of great improvement, both ii^ 
its agriculture, the navigation of its rivers, and in useful 
knowledge. Attention has been drawn to these subjects, 
and so much intelligence, wealth, and leisure, are collected 
annually at the village, that we may anticipate a favorable 
restilt to the interests of the country. The first step in the 
progress of improvement in agriculture, is to increase the 
facilities of transporting the products of the soil to market 



.578 

Every measure should be pursued to complete the naviga« 
tion of the Saluda river. Then may we look forward to 
a rapid increase and improvement in every department of 
business. A canal, it is believed, might be easily made te 
communicate with the Saluda from the village, by means of 
Reedy river. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES, &C. 

An agricultural society is about to be established at the 
village, which promises to be important to the interests of 
the district, and in none could such a society effect its object 
with so much facility and success as in this ; from the cir- 
cumstance of the periodical assemblage of so many gentle- 
men from different parts of the country, practically acquaint- 
ed with the subject, and whose interests would induce them 
to be zealous in the cause. A subscription library is estabs- 
lished at the village. 

AMOUNT OP TAXES, 

The amount of taxes paid annually into the state treasury 
l>y this district, is about i!83,650. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Colonel Henry M. Wood and Samuel Earle, 6f this dis- 
trict, both distinguished themselves in the memorable war 
of the revolution. Such men deserve the perpetual remem- 
brance and gratitude of the state. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

The Hogback mountain, so named from its figure, is 
situate in the northeast angle of this district, and is difficult 
of ascent ; in some measure dangerous, or at least alarming? 
for horsemen ; these aiwa3's dismount and lead their horses- 
The ascent is on an abrupt, narrow ledge, a declivity on 
each side ; and as the horse strains up the steep ridge, and 



579 

exerts himself to hold his ground, the man who leads him 
must be on ?.he alert to keep before him. 

Oa this huge mountain top, the traveller find^ a spring of 
cold water gushing out, and close by, a destrted plantiition. 
of about 2 or 300 acres, which some rech^se had otice 
cultivaied. 

The Griassy mountain adjoining the Hogback, issonamf d 
because the water trickling down its surtnce, iii the wii;ter 
becomes frozen, and ihen reflects the raj^s of the sun with a 
dazzling lustre. 

Cffisar's Head, and the Dismal mountain, lie in the north- 
west nook of the district, formed by the Saluda river and 
Blue mountains.* The first is a mass of granite, rising from 
the vale, through which a rapid river winds its turbulent 
way ; there is a steep ascent from the torrent, covered with 
trees, to the base of the rocky wall ; then ledges of stone, 
rising almost perpendicular, and at length, hanging over at 
top, so that they seem to totter to their fall Indeed, a 
largK tri-ngular mass stands separated from the rest by deep 
lissuresj and resting upon a very slender base. 



HORRY. 

HISTORY OP THE SETTLE MENT—ORIGrNT OF ITS NAIME, 

In the original division of the state Horry was princi- 
pally embraced within Kingston township, but when it 

* These mountains are the Helvetia of our state. We do not yet 
appreciate them riglitly, but we shall ere long-. We have won them 
from North Carolina by fair and honorable means, and they are an 
ornament to our state. To the talents, industry, and zeal of Profetsoy 
George Blackburn, who acted as astronomer on the part of this state 
in ietQ/fmin'msT the 35th degree of norfh latitude, South Carolina is 
indebted for its present possession of these noble mountain?- 

"BV. 9, 



580 

was erected into a district by it^slf it was named Horry, 
in honor of Gen. Horry, who so highly distinguished him- 
self during the revolutionary war. 

This district was settled ahont the same time with Wil- 
liamsburg, riamely,in 1733, principally by emigrants from 
Ireland. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Horry forms the N. E. corner of the state, and fronts oa 
the ocean, v.hich bounds it on the S. E. an extent of 31 miles. 
It is divided from North Carolina (on the East)'by a straight 
line b.aring N. 47^ E. 42| miles ; begitming at a cedar 
stake, (marked with nine notclies,) on the sea-shore of Goat 
island, about one and a quarter miles East of the mouth of 
Little river, and runs from thence until it intersects Drown- 
ing creek, or Lumber river, (about Si miles to the east of 
Newson's ferry,) thence down Drowning creek into little 
Pedee, and dow n this river to the g)eat Pedee, which di- 
vides it from Marion on the N. and W. ; then from the 
intersection of the little with the great Pedee, keeping 
the course of the latter down to its junction with Bull 
creek ; by this creek into the Waccamaw river, and down 
this river to a point, about half a mile below Prince's creek, 
where a line stretches over to a cedar post on the sea shore, 
bearing N. S6i E. 5 miles 67 chains ; all which divide 
Horry from Georgetown to the West and South. Its 
average length is 37 miles ; breadth 29 ; and contains 
about 686,720 acres. 

SOIL— PRODUCTIONS-— VALUE OF LAND. 

On the rivers the soil is rich and highly productive,, 
v/hcre reclaimed ; the uplands have a light soil with a clay 
bottom from one to two feet below the surface. Cotton, corn, 
rice, and a little wheat are the productions,besides potatoes,. 
pease? and pumpkins. The quantity of clean cotton to th 



acre upon sjood ground is from 1 00 to 1 80 lbs. ; of corn from 
5 to 25 busheis The first is valued at from 1 2 to 15 cents a 
pound. The latter wlien sold about 75 cents a bushel. 
But all the provisions raised are consumed in the district. 

The low land swamps, when secured from freshets, will 
sell for 40 or ^50 an acre. The uplands are valued at from 
'$4 down to 25 cents per acre. 

PRICE OF LABOR™ EXPENSES OF LIVING. 

Field hands hire by the year at from 60 to ^80 and 
found. Mechanics from 20 to gSO per month and found. 
Boarding is from 3 to SS a month, according to fare, 

DISTRICT TOWN— VILLAGES DISPERSED. 

Kingston, or Conwayborough, is the seat of justice of the 
district, and contains 20 or 25 houses, and about J 00 in- 
habitants. The village is situate on the west side of the 
Waccamaw river at the junction of the Waccamaw lake. 
It derived its name from the gentleman who first settled 
the place. There is anoiher settlement made on Little 
river near the seaboard of about 25 persons, who carry on 
a considerable trade in lumber, pitch, tar, &c. 

LAKES — CREEKS STREAMS— NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE^ 

The lakes are Kingston lake, near the village. Lake 
swamp. Black and Chinner's swamp lake, belonging to Pe» 
dee. The rivers are the great and little Pedee ; the fop" 
mer navigable for large vessels of CO tons ; and the latter 
for boats drawing three feet, up to the North Carolina line. 
The Waccamaw is navigable for vessels of 80 or iOO tons 
above Conwayborough. The only obstruction is one sand 
shoal at Cox's ferry, six feet deep at low watex\ The trees 
which impede the navigation above 5 he court-house will 
he removed this year ; contracts having been entered into 



582 

for this purpose. Bull en ek is navigable also for large 
vessels. Liule river admits vessels drawing 6 or 7 (eei 
water up into the harbor, 4 miles from its mouth. There 
is ;i little difficulty at the entrance, but the harbor is per- 
fectly safe from the effects of storms. 

FISH — GAME-BIRDS. 

In the waters of this district, are caught, the troul'^ 
bre.'n"", jack fish, perch, shad, and herring, in season ; be- 
sides ihe usual sea fish ; such as mullets, shell -fish, &c. Of 
ganse there are the deer, wild-turkey, ducks of vaiious 
kinds, besides foxes, wild-cats, and a few bears. Of 
birds there are partridges, doves, martins, &c. 

TIMBER TREES—FRUIT TREES— MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

The long leafed pine abounds, also the cypress, liv^ oak;, 
water oak, white oak, &c. The fruit trees are, peaches, 
apples, pears, plums, cherries, figs ; besides strawberries,, 
which grow wild, whortleberries, &c. The forest trees 
begin to bud in the latter part of March, and the fruit trees 
in April. 

The piLie and cypress are mostly used for building,thouglx 
there is plenty of clay to make good brick. The lime is bu?nt 
from oyster shells. 

MANUFACTUKES. 

The inhabitants mostly clothe themselres from their 
own labor. 

COMMERCE. 

This district exports timber, tar, cotton, and rice. The 
markets are Georgetown and Charleston. The number of 
vessels engaged in this business, is between 15 and 20, and 
from 50 to 100 tons ; number of sailors about SO or 190 .; 
wages from 10 to 15 dollars per monthc 



583 

POPULATION. 

The census of 1800 gave this district 2G06 inhabitants., 
of which 708 were slaves. The census of 1820 makes the 
population as follows : 356S whites ; 1434 slaves ; 23 free 
blacks ; total 5,025 : making an increase in 20 years of 
1457, although many families, during this time, emigrated 
to the west. 

CLIMATE DISEASES— LONGEVITY— MARRIAGES.. 

EiLlTHS AND DEATHS. 

This district lies so open to the sea, that, except conti- 
guous to the water-courses, it may be considered salubri- 
ous Fever and ague formerly prevailed along the river 
banks; now bilious fevers. About 30 marriages take place 
annually. The deatlis ijiay average, ia the same time, 
about 15 or 20. 

OCCUPATION OP THE INHABITANTS. 

These are mostly engaged in cultivating the soil. There 
are a few mechanics, such as blacksmiths, shoemakers, tay- 
iors, hatters, &c. 

CATTLE— SHEEP— SWINE —THEIR VALUE. 

About 5 or 6000 head of neat cattle, 12 or 1500 head 

of swine, and some sheep, are raised in this district. The 
value of hogs, is from 2 to 5 dollars a head. For stock 
cattle 5 dollars a head ,; those fit for market, 10 to 13 dol- 
lars. 

TAXES. 

The tascs paid yearly by this district, amount to 1117 
dollars. 

DUMBER OP POOR — EXPENSES—DISTILLERIES— NUMBER OF 
/ BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB. 

This district has about 8 or 10 paupers, who are sup- 
ported by a tax, on the gen^^i-al tax., amounting annually 



584 

lo from S to 400 dollars. There are two deaf and dumb. 
but no lunatics in the diistrict. 

EDUCATION. 

From 10 to 15 private schools are established in various 
places I price of tuition from 10 to 20 dollars a year. 
There are 6 public or free schools, supported at the ex- 
pense of the state, where the children of the poor are 
taught gratis. The report of the commissioners states, that 
the last two years, the benefits of education have betm af- 
forded to 438 pupils, and the expense eight hundred and 
twenty-two dollars and twenty-five cents. 

EELIGIOUS DENOMK-TATIONS— -CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE. 

The Baptists are the most numerous religious sect, 
next the MethodistSj, then the Presbyterians, and ]a^^tly 
the Episcopalians, The people generally are moral and 
religious in their habits ; very little gambling. Hunting 
and fishing are their chief amusements. 

Many of our citizens distinguished themselves during 
the revolutionary war, for their whig principleSj and devo- 
tion to the cause of liberty. 

NAMES OP PLACES—INDIAN OR OTHERWISE, 

The name of Waccamaw is of Indian derivation, as also 
that of Pedee, Socastee, and Dawsee streams. Bear bluff, 
on Waccamaw river, above GauTs ferry, is noted for a hat- 
tie fought there between the whigs and tories, during the 
revolution. 

ROCKSj Sec. 

Compact shell limestone is found on the Waccamaw, a 
little above Gaul's ferry, and continues up above Bear blufi". 
Springs are found gushing through the fissures of this rock, 
which ha-^^e a sweetish taste. 



585 



SOeiF-TIES-— -STATE OF THE ARTS AKD LITERATURE, 

Tract and Sunday school societies are established in the 
district ; a taste for reading is increasing; but only theme- 
chiinic arts are attended to. When the people have further 
advanced in literature, the well informed will see the pro- 
priety and importance of establishing a society for the im= 
provement of the agricultural interests of the country ; by 
which our b^st lands, now lying waste, may be brought in- 
to cultivation, and thus increase the wealth and prosperity 
of the district. 

REMAItKABLE GOOD OR BAD SEASONS. 

In 1823, there were extraordinary crops made here. In 
1824, it was remarkably dry. 

WASTE LANDS— SWAMPS, 

A large quantity of waste lands is to be found in Horryj, 
as well swamp as high lands, only fit for cattle ranges, io 
their present state. Some of* the swamps have been res- 
claimed, and found very valuable and productive. 

WHAT LMrROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING, 

[See Beaufort district.] 



KERSHAW. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— -OKIGIN OV ITS NAME, 

In the original division of South Carolina, this district 
formed a part of Craven county. 

/The second political division of the province was into 
preciiicts. Kershaw then became a part of Cheraw. In 
1600| the present limits were established, and the district 



586 

veceived the name of Kershaw, in honor of Colonel Joseph 
Kei'shaw, who rendered such eminent services to the coun- 
try, previous to, and during the memorable revolution of 
17*76. 

The first settlement here took place about the year 1750, 
by a colony of Quakers from Ireland, who located them- 
selves on thespot where the town of Camden now stands. 
The principal of these emigrants were, Robert Miihouse, 
a:.d Samuel Wyley, both sensible and respectable men. 
They erected some mills on Pinetree creek, wiiich runs be- 
low Camden, and from this creek the settlement was called 
Pjnetree. 

The Quakers were suClciently numerous to form a con= 
gregation, and they erected a place of worship, which re« 
mained till the American war. Milhouae died about the 
year 1755 ; but his posterity still live near the waters of 
Edisto and Ashley. Wyley left a daughter, (the late Mrs. 
William Lang, sen. of Camden,) and three Sons. 

About the j'ear 1760, Colonel Joseph Kershaw opened a 
store at Mr. Wyley's, Camden. Being prosp-rous in bu- 
siness, he laid out the place in lots, and in honor of Lord 
Camden, gave it his name. He proceeded in iis mijjrovc- 
ments, and built stores and mills. Col. John Chesnut was 
a copartner with Col. Kershaw, having previously served 
liis time with him. 

The Quakers, as a society, decreased continually fron> 
the time Camden began to thrive as a village, and at last 
becSme extinct. 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EETENT. 

Kershaw lies immediately between the primitive auu al- 
luvial formations ; the lower line of the granite region runs 
through the middle of the district, from S. W. to N. E. 
Under the general division of the sta*e iis o?)sition c^rre- 
sp-jni-.s with the fourtli. The sand iiills are both high, ex- 



587 

tensive, and barren, covered with small pitch-pine and black 
jack, or dwarf oaks. 

This district is bounded on the southeast by Sumter, from 
which it is divided b}"^ a line drawn S. 45 W-, beginning at 
Spivey's ferry, on Lynches creek, and extending about 24 
miles, or until it intersects the Salisbury road, in Col. D. 
Strark's plantation ; from thence, S. 84 W., about one mile, 
to Big Swift creek, opposite to Raglin's gut ; and thence bj 
this gut to Wateree river. On the S. W. by Richland dis- 
trict, from which it is divided by a line, beginning at the 
Wateree river, opposite to the last mentioned point, and 
running S. 66 W., or by Raglin's creek, to Spear's creek : 
thence up Raglin's creek to its head ; thence by a straight 
line, bearing N. 50|°, W. 10 miles 17 chains ; thence N. 
561° W. 1 mile 14 chains, to a point over Rice creek on 
Peay's plantation, nearly half a mile above the fork r' 
Twenty-five mile creek. On the W. and N. by Fairfielc 
from which it is separated by a line drawn from the 
mentioned point, N. 18i° E. 23 miles 14 chains, or u. 
it intersects the Wateree river, and up the said river haU 
a mile above Peay's ferry. On the N. W. and N. by Lan- 
caster, from which it is divided by the following lines : 
beginning at the Wateree river, half a mile above Peay's 
ferry, and running N. 47, E. 9 miles 37i chains ; thence 
N. 74, E. 47 chains, to the Beaver creek road ; thence 
N. 72i, E. 701 chains ; thence N. 48 E. 2 miles 63 chainSj 
to the intersection of the main Salisbury road at the Hang- 
ing rock ; thence down the said road 4 miles 16 chains, or 
until it intersects big Lynch's creek, about 10 chains above 
Harrison's ford. On the N. E. by Chesterfield and Dar- 
lington, from, which it is separated by big Lyncivs creek, 
down to the place of beginning. 

llie average length of the district is about 32 mile?, aoC 
".ndth .27;, the number of acres about 559.960- 



58o 

MATURE OF THE SOIL—PRODUCTS— QUANTITY TO THE ACRE, 

The soil of this district partakes of the extremes of ferti- 
lity and sterility. The rivers are bordered by a great ex- 
tent of alluvial low grounds, vv^hich are so high as to be 
rarely affected by freshets, and are very fertile. In the up- 
per parts of the district, clayey lands are found ; but the 
great body of the uplands are of a sandy nature, bottomed 
On clay. The numerous streams that divide the high lands, 
furnish, in the midst of the sand hills, many rich spots for 
cultivation. 

The products raised are cotton, corn, wheat, rye, oatSj 
potatoes, and all the esculent vegetables. Cotton is the sta- 
ple article; the others are raised for home consumption. 
On the river lands the yield of cotton to the acre, in the 
seed, often exceeds 1000 weight ; of corn, from 25 to 40 
bushels ; of wheat 20 to 30. The inferior lands will give 
of wheat and rye about 10 or 12 bushels ; of sweet pota- 
toes, from 200 to 250 bushels. Considerable quantities of 
wheat were formerly raised in this district, which was 
manufactured into the finest flour, and commanded always 
as good a price as the best northern flour. 

The manufacture of flour was suspended by the revolu- 
tionary war. In the course of it, Mr. Broome^ one of Col. 
Lee's cavalry, passed over the foundation of Mr. Kershaw's 
mill ; struck with the advantages of the situation, he re- 
turned when peace took place, and erected there as com- 
plete a set of mills as any in the United States. In the 
year 1801, 40,000 bushels of wheat were manufactured at 
two or three flour mills, all within one mile of Camden ; 
and from the proceeds, 6000 barrels of superior flour were 
delivered for domestic use, or for exportation. The in- 
creased demand and value of cotton, soon occasioned this 
article to supersede the wheat, and no more was raised for 
market after that, except for a short time during the last 
war, when it commanded even a higher price than the 
flour from the northern states. 



689 

The paima chrisli, or castor oil plant, has been cultivated 
in this district with great success. Mr. Rudolphs, of Cam> 
den, some years ago planted fifty or sixty acres of it, and 
from its berries expressed large quantities of cold-drawn oil j 
the product was from 100 to 150 gallons to the acre, and 
its medical qualities as effective as those of the imported 
oil. 

VALUE OP LAND— PRICE OF PROVISIONS, OF LIVING, AND OP 

LABOR. 

The value of the river lands, compared with even the 
best uplands, is very superior. While the former brings 
30 to S60 per acre, the latter will not sell for more than 5 
to i^IO ; and again, the pine lands will scarce bring 50 cents 
an acre, except under favorable circumstances. Wheat sells 
for from 75 cents to ^I per bushel ; rye, about 50 to 75 
cents ; oats, 37i to 50 cents ; corn, from 50 to 75 cents ; but 
as every planter raises his own provisions, little is for sale- 
The prices of these are therefore high. The expenses of 
living are not in proportion to the price of provisions. In 
the country, boarding would not be more than from 80 to 
<^100 a year. In Camden it would be from 10 to ^15 a 
month ; good laboring hands (found) will hire for from 80 
to ^100 a year. 

POPULATION— TAXES— MANUFACTURES. 

^hen the census was taken in 1800, the population of 
this district rated as follows : 2438 free white males ; 2168 
free white females ; 104 free blacks ; 2530 slaves ; total, 7240* 
In 1820, the population was as follows: 5628 whites j 
6692 slaves; 112 free blacks; total, 12,432. The taxes 
annually amount to g7248 ; namely, on slaves, ^4994 35 ; 
on ^ee negroes, §20 ; on professions, S33 ; stock in trade, 
3460 ; on town lots, ^902 ; on lands, 882. 
^ No manufactures, except those of a domestic kind, are 
<!arried on here. Before the revolution a pottery was 



590 

gstabiished by an Englishman by the name oi'Bartiam. A 
brewery was also erected about the same time, and promised 
well ; but these, as also several handicrafts^ were all 
checked, and eventually destroyed by the war, 

DISTRICT TOWN. 

Camden is the seat of justice of Kershaw, and constitutes 
the district town. It is the oldest inland town in the state, 
being settled in 1759, and laid out into regular squares and^ 
streets in 1760. 

it is handsomely situated on a plain, elevated from 70 t© 
too feet above the Wateree river, on the east bank of th« 
same, and about a mile from the river. It is almost sur» 
Founded by water ; Pinetree creek, with Belton's branch, 
sweeping round three sides, and, by their head springs, 
aearly meeting on the fourth side. The limits of the town 
embrace one mile in breadth, from east to west, and one 
and three-quarters in length, from south to north. 

Its charter was granted in 1769, amended in 1796, and 
the limits of the town extended. It has a regular city 
police. The town was in a thriving condition before the 
revolution ; a place of worship was built for the Presbyte- 
E'ians some years before the war. The present court-house 
was built in 178S. The former, with the jail, was burnt by 
the enemy. The town was much injured during its occu- 
pation by the British army in 17S0. Since the revolution 
it has flourished considerably, and now has about 300 
dwelling and other houses ; and more than 2000 inhabit- 
ants. It possesses a considerable back country trade. The 
cotton purchased in this place the last year exceeded 20,000 
bales. Camden carries on a considerable trade with Charles- 
ton ; all the cotton being sent there, and in return, large 
quantities of dry goods and groceries are received. The 
geographical position of this town gives it great advantages 
for Irade ; and fully warrants every exertion to be made to 
improve its facilities of communication with the river. A 



59 i 

pavigable canal appears to be perfectly practicable, and 
ought, for several good reasons, to be carried into executiony 
as it would in a great measure realize all that could be de- 
sired, connected with the prosperity of the town. 

The consummatioii of the great public works on the Ca- 
tawba river, (the Wateree and Rocky mount canals,) will 
open great facilities of communication with a rich atsd ex- 
tensive back country, both in this state and North Carolina, 
that will add immensely to the trade of Camden. By 
examining the map of the two states it will be easily seen 
that wealth and prosperity await this town at no very dis- 
tant day. Its citizens should therefore prepare for these 
advantages, by inviting permanent capital and populatioli to 
the place. An elegant court-house is now building here, 
which will be superior in its design to any in the state, 
both for convenience of accommodation, beauty, and per- 
manency. Its facade presents a grand portico of six Ionic 
columns, spreading the whole extent of the building, and 
rising so high that the main roof will cover it, and constitute 
its pediment. The offices (six in number) occupy the lower 
or basement story, arched with brick, and made fire-proof: 
% double flight of stairs rises within the vestibule to the 
court-room story, which occupies the most of the second 
floor : the jury-rooms on this floor are so disposed as to 
admit the galleries to extend over them. Four columns rise 
in this court-room, carrying their imposts, between which 
springs a grand arched ceiling, the whole width of the room, 
and extending its entire length. 

, Including the portico, the building is 63 feet long, and 
43 feet wide. The roof is proposed to be covered with 
metal, (copper or zinc,) so that a permanency and security 
from fire will be given to the whole edifice ; the walls are 
^f brick. 

A handsome church has been erected in the upper part 
of the town, with a portico of four Doric columns in front, 
and a neat spire in the rear, containing: a bell. The inte- 



592 

nor is arranged so that the floor and pews rise as they re- 
cede from the pulpit, giving every advantage to the audi" 
ence, both in seeing and hearing. 

In front of the portico of this church, the interesting ce- 
remony of reinterring the remains of baron De Kalb, and 
laying the corner-stone of the monument to be erected to 
the memory of this patriot and martyr to the cause of liber- 
ty, took place, in the presence of the nation's guest, the 
illustrious La Fayette, on the 9th day of March, 1825 ; 
attended by a large concourse of citizens. The scene vjras 
peculiarly striking, and interested everyone present. The 
monument erected here is simply elegant in its design. It 
presents the obelisk form, raised on a pedestal, all of white 
marble, and resting on a granite base composed of several 
expanding blocks, in the character of steps, and surrounded 
by an iron balustrade. 

Near the Presbyterian church, on the same hill, are two 
neat brick buildings, appropriated to the male and female 
academies. These institutions are both in a flourishing con- 
dition, and highly respectable. The branches taught, besides 
the common courses of reading, writing, and arithmetic, 
are geography, history, the Latin and Greek languages^ 
music, drawing, &c- 

The town council have built a large and substantial town" 
hall, under which is the market-place. Adjoining to the 
town-hall is a handsome subscription library, containing a 
choice selection of the best authors, ancient and modernj 
particularly in history. 

In front of this building rises a high tower, containing 
the staircase, crowned by a cupola, ornamented with a 
clock, and surmounted by a spire. This spire is a very 
conspicuous object, enlivens the town, and gives an air of 
importance to the place. 

Camden was celebrated in the American revolution for 
being the seat of war a considerable time, and the centre of 
the British southern army- Immediately after the fall of 



o9rf 

Charleston, it was taken possession of by the enemy, and 
was the scene of many interesting occurrences. Here se= 
veral battles were fought, on which seemed to hang the/ 
destinies of the republic. Here Gen. Gates lost the laurels 
which he had won at Saratoga. Here fell that gallant offi- 
cer, Maj. Gen. Baron De Kalb, an illustrious German, who 
had generously engaged in the support of American inde= 
pendence, and who exerted himself with great bravery to 
prevent the defeat of the day. On this occasion he receiv^ 
ed eleven wounds, of which, though he received the most 
particular assistance from the enemy, he in a short time 
expired. His aid-de-camp, Lieut. Col. Du Buysson, was 
here dangerously wounded and taken prisoner, while ge» 
nerously exposing himself to save his friend. Brig. Gen. 
Rutherford, a valuable officer, of the most extensive influ- 
ence over the North Carolina militia, was here also com- 
pelled to surrender to a party of the British legion, one of 
whom, after his submission, cut him in several places. 

Here that brave and distinguished officer. Major Thomas 
Pinckney, acting as aid-de-camp to Major Gen. Gates, had 
his leg shattered by a musket ball, and fell into the hands 
of the conquerors. Here Lord Cornvvaliis stained his mi- 
litary fame, by giving orders to his commanders, through- 
out the state, to imprison, punish, and even hang without 
mercy, every one that had borne British arms, and after- 
wards joined the American cause ; also that the estates of 
all persons who had injured the loyalists should be made to 
compensate them for the same ; and Camden witnessed 
the fulfilment of these disgraceful orders in the execution 
of Samuel Andrews, Richard Tucker, John Mills, Josiah 
Gay le,Eleazer Smith, with several others, whose names are 
unki>own. Many a noble spirit was here immured in jail, 
and made to suffer every indignity ; among these Mr. James 
Bradley and Col. Chesnut held a distinguished place. 
The first was taken prisoner by stratagem. CoL Tarleton 
came to his house and passed himself for Col, Washington 



394 

of the American army. Bradley made much of his guest, 
and without suspicion freely communicated to him the 
plans and views of liimself and other Carolinians for co-ope- 
rating with their countrymen against the British. When 
the interview and its hospitalities were ended, Tarleton 
requested Bradley to accompany him as a guide to a neigh" 
bouring place. This service was cheerfully performed. On 
their arrival Tarleton's army appeared in full view, and 
took charge of Bradley as a prisoner. The host thus taken 
by order of his late guest, was sent to Camden jail, and 
there confined in irons. He was frequently carted to the 
gallows to witness the execution of his countrymen as rebels, 
and was told to prepare for a similar fate, as his time was 
next. On such occasions, and when interrogated at courts 
martial, he made no other reply than *' I am ready and 
willing to die in the cause of my country ; but remember, 
if I am hanged I have many friends in Gen. Marion's bri- 
gade, and my death will occasion a severe retaliation." 
Either awed by bis virtues, or apprehensive of the conse- 
quences, his captors did not execute their threats. His 
life was spared ; but he was kept in irons as long as the 
British had possession of the upper country. He bore the 
marks of these rugged instruments of confinement till the 
day of his death, and would occasionally show them to his 
young friends, with a request, " That if the good of their 
country required the sacrifice, they would suffer imprison- 
ment and death in its cause.'' 

Gen, Canty rendered important services to the state 
during the revolutionary vvar. Samuel and John Wiley 
also distinguished themselves. The first was cut to piece? 
by Tarleton's troop. 



LANCASTER. 

IIISTOKY OF THE SETTLEMENT—ORIGIN OF ITS NAMJE. 

The first settlement was made in this district by emi= 
grants from Pennsylvania and Virginia, about the year 
1745, and called the Waxhaws, from the name of the 
creek on which the principal settlements were located 
(then supposed to be within the bounds of North Carolina). 
These settlements Wf re made in the neighbourhood of the 
Catawbas, then a powerful and warlike tribe of Indians,, 
whose chief town ^was situate on the west side of Sugar 
creek, (more prop'^'rly Sugaw, that being the ancient In- 
dian name*) just opposite to the mouth of little Sugar creek. 
The site of this ancient town is now in York district, and 
under cultivation in the plantation ofMr.Alderson, but not 
a vestige of it is to be seen. 

About the year 1750, the early settlers of the Waxhaws 
became, in a great measure, rid of their powerful and dan- 
gerous neighbors, the Indians ; as the smallpox broke out 
among them and carried off, from the best information, 
three fourths of the whole tribe. Shortly afterwards they 
leased most of their lands on Sugar creek, to some of the 
emigrants, and removed and settled in the towns where 
they now reside. The present name was given to the dis- 
trict, through the influence of those settlers, who emigra- 
ted from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. It was previ 
ously included under the name of Camden precincts, 

SITUATION; BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Lancaster district constitutes one part of the northeru 
boundary of the state, and is situate entirely within the 
graliite re^on. On the west, it is bounded by the Cataw- 
ba river, up to the mouth of Sugar creek, and up this 
stream to a point about ot),e mile above the mouth of Sn- 



590 

gar creek ; which divides it from York, Chester, and part 
of Fairfield ; on the southj by a line drawn north 47, E, 6 

miles 374 chains ; thence N. 74. E. 47 chains ; thence N. 
72ij Ee 20 chains, 30 links ; thence N. 4S, E. 63 chains, 
to where the Rocky river crosses the Hanging rock creek : 
thence south, following the road to Camden, down to a 
point opposite Miller's house, or at the head of a branch of 
Hanging rock creek ; thence N. 6?i, E. Hi miles, or un- 
til it intersects Big Lynch's creek, at Hamson's ford, all 
which lines divide it from Kershaw district : on the E. by 
Big Lynch's creek, to a point a little above the road lead" 
ing toWadesborough, in North Carolina, which point is the 
iritersection of Sugar creek, before mentioned ; all which 
lines divide it from North Carolina, 

Lancaster, from its irregular form, resembling somewhat 
a iFiangle, is difficult to average in its extent. Its longest 
line is on the west, and reaches in a straight course 4© 
miles. It is computed to contain about 382,720 square 
acres. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL. 

The soil is various, from a rich loam to a barren sand» 
The lands to the east and south of Cain creek, on and near 
these waters, are mostly stony and gravelly, and in a few 
places rich ; much of the intermediate land is clothed with 
the long leaf pine, and has a sandy soil. North and west 
of Cain creek, the soil is much more fertile, generally 
clay and loam ; with but little stone or gravel, 

VALUE OF THE LAND— PRODUCTS. 

Some of the lands in this district, will bring g30 &n 
acre ; but to average the whole, the price would not ex- 
ceed ^10 an acre. Cotton is the chief article cultivated, 
tKough cornj wheat, rye, and oats, are grown ^ only how- 
syet fot home <g»n$u'mptioD.. Moderately good lands t^il! 



597 

produce, of clean cotton, 150 to 200 pounds the acre, or 
25 bushels of corn, or 15 to 20 bushels of wheat Qr rye, 

PHICE OP GRAIN— EXPENSES OF LIVING— PRICE OF LABj9R,, 

The price of corn will average 50 cents a bushel ; 
wheat and rye 75 to gl. The expenses of boarding are 
moderate, from 6 to g8 per month. The price of laboring 
bands for the field, is from 80 to ^100 per annum. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES. 

The oaks are more common generally than the pine. 
There are also the poplar, hickory, chesnut, ash, beech, 
sycamore, dogwood, walnut, sassafras, &c.j also the sugar 
fcree, some of which are of prodigious size. 

The fruit trees include the various kinds of apples, pears,, 
peachesj and cherries ; besides varieties of grapes^, berries, 
chesnuts, walnuts, hickory nuts, &c. 

The cultivation of the vine has been carried to some ex- 
tent in this district, by Henry Izard, Esq, of Charleston, 
who has a beautiful farm on the Catawba river, opposite 
Landsford, He planted a vineyard here some years ago, 
and from the experiments made, there is very little doubt 
that the grape may be cultivated to advantage in this dis- 
trict. 

DISTRICT TOWN. 

The district town is Lancasterviile, It is regularly laid 
out, five streets running each way at right angles. The 
houses are mostly bullion one street, the centre one, running 
from north to south, about a quarter of a mile long„ The 
village contains about 30 dwelling houses and stores, and 
360 inhabitants. The public buildings are a court-house 
and jail, and a handsome brick academy. The court-house 
lies in latitude 34° 40' 30"; longitude, 0° 17' 30' esrst of 



5^8 

€oIumbiaj from which it bears N. Hi E. distant S82 miles. 
The legislature, at the last session, made appropriations for 
building a new court-house, which will prove a great orna- 
ment to the plaeCo 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

When the Catawba river shall be made navigable, this 
district will certainly derive as much advantage from the 
system of internal improvement as any other in the state. 
This river bounds the longest side of the district. Cain 
creek, with very little expense, may also be made navigable 
for boats to the forks, within one mile and a half of the court- 
house. Twelve-mile creek can be easily made navigable to 
the mouth of Six-mile creek ; also Sugar creek, (the western 
boundary) to the mouth of M'Alpin's creek ; both of which 
run through a rich country. The Waxhaw creek, from its 
narrow and crooked channel, will not admit of navigation. 
But Lynch's creek, which forms the eastern boundary of 
the district, is capable of being made navigable the whole 
extent of it. 

POPULATION—INCREASING OR DECREASING. 

The population of this district has been on the increase, 
though slowly, owing in a great measure to emigrations from 
it to Alabama, Georgia, &c. &c. For the last few years, this 
disposition to emigrate has considerably subsided. The census 
of 1820 gave 5S4S whites, 4473 slaves, and 69 free blacks ; 
total, 10,390. The total population in 1800 was 631S. 
Increase, 407S in 20 years. 

EDUCATION AND LITERATURE. 

The progress of literature has been very tardy in this 
district ; more especially in the eastern section of it, where 
the people are in many instances poor. In the western 
partSj the people being more wealth}^, have paid greater 



5dd 

attention to education. There has not been a grammar 
school of any note in this district for many years until 
lately ; though at one period this part of the state could boast 
of having the best institution for learning in the upper 
country; nay, the only one above Charleston. It was con- 
ducted with ability, and was highly respectable. In this 
institution many gentlemen, who afterwards distinguished 
themselves, were educated. 

An academy has been lately endowed by the munificence 
of the legislature of the state, who granted for that purpose 
the escheated property of the district. From this fund a 
very fine building has been erected in the village, of brick, 
two stories high. The funds accruing from this source now^ 
amount annually to about ^3000, to which have been added 
about ^1200 in private donations. It is called the Franklin 
Academy, and is now in operation. 

Under the fostering care of the state another valuable 
institution for communicating knowledge has been founded; 
the free-schools, where the children of the poor are edu- 
cated at the public expense. By means of this fund 18 
private schools have been assisted within the last two years, 
at an expense of ^1440, where 300 pupils received the 
benefits of instruction. 

COMMERCE — MANUFACTURES. 

The staple product of this district is ail carried to Cam- 
den or Charleston, principally by land. When the naviga- 
tion of the Catawba is opened most of it will probably be 
transported by water to Camden, which must eventually be 
the market of this district. 

r No manufactures, except of a domestic kind, are carried 
on here.v^ 

/ FISH— GAME BIRDS, &C. 

Plenty of shad, in season, is caught in the Catawba. The 
native figh are the trout, rock, red-horse, perch, &c. There 



600 

are a few deer, wild turkeys, pigeons, ducks, and geese ; 
besides partridges, doves, and woodcocks. The other- 
birds are those common to the count^3^ 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

As to the religious sects the Seceders are the most'nume- 
rous. There are many Presbyterians, some Methodists, 

and a few Baptists. 

ROCKS, GRANHE, FREESTONE, SOAPSTONE— MINERALS. 

The rocks are mostly of the granite kind, and what is 
commonly called white flint : these are dispersed all over 
the country. Some beautiful quarries of very fine granite, 
of which the locks of Wateree are built, have been worked 
for this purpose in this district. A species of slate, and the 
asbestos, are said to exist on Lynch's creek. 

CLIM ATE— DISEASES— LONGE V IT Y. 

Off the water-courses the inhabitants of this district enjoy 
as good health as in any part of the up country. The cli- 
mate is mild, and what diseases prevail are such as are com- 
mon to even the healthiest region. Several instances of lon- 
gevity occur, 

EMINENT MEN. 

Lancaster was the birth place of General Andrew Jack- 
son. He was born near the waters of the Waxhaw creek, 
in this district, and within a mile of the North Carolina 
line, which was then the boundary of Anson county, 

1SAMES OF PLACES, AND THEIR ORIGIN— INDIAN OR OTHER- 
WISE. 

The Waxhaw settlement derived its name from the 
creek upon which it was made ; and the name of this creek 
is derived from a tribe of Indians, which, about 100 years 



6m 

ago, according to the tradition of the Catawba IndianSj, was 
located there. John Stewart, Esq.j of this district, who 

resides on the south side of Waxhaw creek, just above the 
mouth, ill 1814 cleared a tract of land, whereon there was 
an Indian mound elevated a few feet above the surface, on 
which grew trees counting eighty years growth. The 
mound was not more than six feet square. In ploughing 
over itj he turned up several gun-barrels, much decayed, 
but once highl}' ornamented, of the shot-gun kind. This 
led him to inquire of the Catawba Indians if there was no 
tradition running among them of this mound. Two or 
three of the oldest fold him, "tradition inforsned them, that 
more than 100 years ago, a small band or tribe of Indians 
resided on that spot called theWaxhaws, whom the Cataw- 
has had, after an obstinate resistance, and loss of many 
warriors, conquered and driven away. 

The Catawba Indian land runs partly into this district, 
The principal village of these Indians, is located on the op- 
posite side of the river, in York, though a small settlement 
of them is still on this side, composed of four or five fami= 
lies. Few Indian names are retained. The Catawba, Wax- 
haw, (or Warsaw,) and Sugar (or Sugaw) creek. Lancas- 
ter district is the seat of several battles which were fought 
during the revolutionary war. The principal of these are 
the battle of Hanging rock, and Beauford's defeat, 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

Some few great natural curiosities are to be seen io this 
district. Among them are the Hanging rock. Flat rockj, 
Anvil rock, &c. The first has given name to a creek, and 
also to a celebrated battle, which was fought near it, August 
27th, 1780 ; when Gen. Sumter defeated the British and 
the North Carolina tories, under Col. Brian, and nearly 
annihilated the Prince of Wales' regiment, which defended 
one of the posts at that place. 



602 

The Hanging rock is a real curiosity, as are many other 
rocks near it. They form an irregular group on the east 
side of the creek, and are fantastically piled one upon an= 
other along the declivity of a steep hill. That called Hang- 
ing rock, in particular, is a single mass about twenty feet 
diameter, which is, on the side nearest to the creek, scoop- 
ed into an arch, forming over head a figure of an exceed- 
ingly regular kind, resembling the segment of a concave 
sphere, or rather paraboloid. This arch is capable of shel- 
tering several persons ; and indeed it seems fires have been 
kindled there, supposed by hunters, for the edge of the 
arch appears tinged with smoke. It is a singularly inter- 
esting object, but yet of the minor kind. Another of these 
huge stones rests upon a larger rock, supported at only two 
points, so that one is apt, at first view, to suppose that a 
small force would hurl it from its base down the steep hill 
into the creek below. There are many other similar rocks 
here, but these two are among the most remarkable. As 
I descended the hill, and viewed this latter rock, it forcibly 
gave me the idea of a ship resting upon the summit of a 
cliff; the form of the side and stern being aptly represented 
to the fancy. 

The formation of these rocks is also singularly curious. 
They are not formed of lamina or strata in planes, as other 
rocks are, but seem to be composed more generally of stra- 
ta in concentric circles. I saw several masses split off by 
the force of frost. Some of immense size had fractures so 
even, that one might suppose they had been sawn through, 
yet evidently without any seam. 

The substance composing these masses is also curious. 
The principal matter consists of small flinty stones, of all 
sizes, from one-eighth to one-half of an inch, in the side, ir- 
regularly hexagonal, mixed with very small, black, glass- 
like, brilliant particles, about a tenth of an inch in diame- 
ter ; the whole cemented together by another substance. 

The rock is broken without difficulty, so that the aggJo- 



(505 

merated particle? are easily separated. One cannot resist 
the belief that these rocks were formed in a very different 
state of the world from the present. These rocks abound 
in this district. The earth, even in the valleys, rests wholly 
on rock, though sometimes it is twenty or thirty feet deep. 
The springs are abundant. The water gushing through the 
fissures in these rocks renders wells unnecessary. 

The Flat rock is close to the battle ground of Hanging 
rock. It is a huge mass almost level, composed of a kind 
of very bard gravel cemented together. On the surface 
are several circular pits, or cisterns, a few inches deep, 
%vhich the people here suppose were dug out by the In- 
dians. (Just such tales they tell in the West Indies of the 
pirate^s rocky punch bowl.) I stepped across the rock and 
found it 500 feet diameter. The naked part is about four 
acres ; and the whole extent about 20. I saw two other 
rocks of this kind, but on a smaller scale : indeed the 
greater part of the country seems to have such a basis. Im- 
mediately before coming to the creek you pass through the 
battleground. The country was then all in woods ; the con- 
flict began on the hill, and was continued in the vale. 

Four miles from Gaston's tavern is the Anvil rock, so 
named from its shape. It stands a curiositj'- of the tiny- 
kind, close by the road, about ten feet high, eight feet wide 
at top, and perhaps five at the bottom ; the sides irregularly 
worn away by frosts and rains. It is composed of the same 
kind of aggregated particles as the hanging rock, and all 
fhe numerous flat rocks that lie scattered through this 
country. 

One mile from Hanging rock creek there is a mineral 
spring, 400 yards from the road. It is very transparent, 
bubbling up through clear sand, and is intensely cold. 
It deposits, about the well and the stream, a great deal of 
the/yellow matter common to chalybeate springs. The 
tRste and smell are sensible. It acts as a gentte aperient, 

?^ K 3 



604 

and is strongly diuretic. A gentle descent leads to the 
spring. It is delightfully shaded by trees, and has a fall for 
a plunging or shower bath. It has been proposed by the 
proprietor, to build a houseon a high and healthy situation, 
to accommodate those who may be induced to visit the 
spring. Under the head of Natural History of the state 
will be found some other interesting particulars of these 
rocks. 



LAURENS. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT—ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

About 1755 a few emigrants from Virginia and Penn- 
sylvania removed to this part of the provincCo In 1755 an 
accession of settlers took place, in consequence of Brad- 
dock's defeat, which exposed the frontiers of Pennsylva- 
nia, Maryland, and Virginia, to the French at Fort Duques- 
ne, and the Indians. When the treaty with the Cherokee 
Indians was made by Governor Glen, (which ceded much 
of what is called the upper country to Great Britain,) a 
great influx of inhabitants was the result. 

The name of this district was given in honor of that 
great patriot, Henry Laurens. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Laurens is situate about the middle of what is called 
the upper country ; bounded by the Saluda river on the S. 
W., which separates it from Abbeville ; b);- the Enoree 
river on the N. E. dividing it from Union and Spartan- 
burg ; by Greenville on the N. W. ; (by a line running 
S. 17°., W. 11 miles 60 chains, to a point ; thence S. 4° 
E. 3 miles 45 chains, to a water oak marked L. G., on 
Heedy river ; thence S. 16°., Similes 45 chains, to the mouth 
■af Line creek, where it enters Saluda river;) and by New- 



605 

berry on the S. E, ; from which it is divided by the road 
leading from Odellsford to Cresswell's fefry on Saluda. 
Its average length is 30 milesy breadth 24, and contains 
560,800 square acres. 

NATURE OP THE SOIL— PRODUCTS. 

The nature of the soil is mostly clay and gravel. It is 
well adapted to the culture of cotton, corn, wheat, tobacco, 
&c. The usual articles raised, are the three first, but only 
the cotton for market ; corn and wheat for domestic use. 
In good seasons the clear profits on an acre of land, planted 
in cotton, w ill more than purchase the fee simple of it. 
The clear profit on the other articles is less than on cotton. 
Wheat will yield about s^6, and corn from 8 to $iO per acre. 
The value of cotton causes neglect in raising provisions for 
market. Some little attention is paid to agriculture in the 
management of land ; but while cotton commands so good 
a price, we may despair of much progress in this valuable 
system. 

DISTRICT TOWN. 

Laurensvilie is the district town. It is pleasantly situated 
near the head of Little river, which empties into Saluda ; 
and contains 35 houses, and 250 inhabitants. The courts 
are held here. 

RIVERS— CREEKS— NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

Besides the Saluda, Enoree, and Little rivers, two large 
streams pass through the district, the two forks of Reedy 
river. These are remarkable for running nearly parallel 
with the Saluda and each other, at a very short distance. 
The Saluda is navigable now for boats carrying 70 bales of 
cotlon, almost the whole length of the district. The Eno- 
ree is a fine stream, and capable of being made navigable 
at a reasonable expense. Duncan's creek is a bold stream, 
and empties into the Enoree. 



60B 



VALUE OF LAND — -DIVISION OF PROPERTY. 

The value of land varies, according to quality of soil, or 
situation, from 6 to 25 dollars per acre. Property is pretty 
well divided ; there are no very large landholders in the^ 
district. 



BRICE OF PROVISIONS OF LABOR EXPENSES OF LIVING 

MARKETS. 

The average price of grain may be, for corn 50 cents per 
bushf^l, and wheat 75 cents — chiefly consumed in the dis- 
trict. The article principally sent to market, is cotton. 
Columbia is the principal market. The expenses of living 
are very moderate, scarcely exceeding eight dollars per 
month. The price of laboring hands is from 80 to 100 dol- 
lars per annum, 

TIMBER TREES FRUIT TREES. 

The district is well timbered ; — the proportion of unclear- 
ed to cleared lands is as one of the latter to six or seven of 
the former. Besides the pine, of which we have some of 
the short leaf, there is a great variety of oak^ also poplar, 
chesnut, beech, dogwood, hickory, linden, locust, &c. Of 
fruit trees, we have, besides various species of the apple 
and peach, grapes in abundance, plums, berries of different 
kinds, chinguapins, chesnuts, &c. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY. 

Laurens, like the other upper districts, possesses a tetn- 
perature of air the most favorable for health. The sky is 
generally clear and serene, and seldom obscured by moist, 
misty weather ; rains come on suddenly, fall hastily, and 
terminate at once ; leaving a clear and settled sky. The 
air is pure and temperate, and, although variable, is seldom 
subject to sudden and great changes. During summer, Fa* 



607 

r^nheit^s thermometer generally fluctuates from 65^ to 66°; 
and during winter, from 20° to 25°. Every year, howev- 
er, there are a few days when the mercury rises in sum- 
mer to 94° and 95°; and in winter, when it falls to 10° or 
11°. The soil is elevated and dry, except near the edges 
of the water-courses in moist, rainy seasons. The water, 
from the declivity of the surface, runs off speedily. There 
is a very inconsiderable portion of stagnant water ; none 
except small lagoons near the rivers ; and from these there 
are innumerable retreats on dry and elevated spots, to which 
the vapor arising from the low grounds cannot reach. Fogs 
are rare, and readily dissipated by the rising sun. The 
gnats and other insects which attend putrid air, mud, and 
slime, are few in number. 

Agues and fevers are more rare than formerly ; they 
seem to have merged in the more violent forms of bilious 
fevers. Though the first effects of clearing the land, par- 
ticularly along the water- courses, were unfavorable to health, 
ihere is ground to hope, that, when it is better cultivated, 
it will be more healthy than even at present. There are 
already evidences of this in some of the oldest and most 
highly cultivated parts of the district. A considerable num- 
ber of the inhabitants live to be old. We have on record 
the following: — Mr. Neighbors, who died in 179S, aged 
114, and his wife 109, both Pennsylvanians ; married SO 
years. Mrs. Newby was aged 112 when she died ; at 
present there are several living who are upwards of SO years 
old. 

Marriages are early, and generally prolific. It is rare to 
find a woman of the age of twenty-five, who is not either a 
wife or widow. An unusual proportion of children is rais- 
ed to maturity ; from their births they exhibit strong marks 
of health ; their diseases are short, and easily managed. 



608 

MANUFACTURES. 

i'hese are only of the domestic kind, but are of some 
importance. 

POPULATION. 

This has been gradually on the increase. In ISOO the 
population amounted to 12,800, of which 1968 were slaves. 
The last census in 1820gives 17,683, of which 4,878 are 

slaves. 

FISH— GAME— BIRDS, &c. 

In the year 1750, when the first settlement was made, 
the buffaloes were so numerous, that it was not uncommon, 
for three or four men with dogs to kill from ten to twenty 
a day ; these animals have entirely disappeared. Wild 
turkeys were also in the greatest plenty. Deer were so nu- 
merous that a rifleman could easily kill four or five a day. 
Of bears, a common hunter in the autumn could lay up 
from 2 to 300 lbs. of bear bacon. The waters abounded 
with beavers, otters, and muskrats. The country was 
overrun with wolves, panthers, and wild-cats. There was 
a great facility in raising stock, from the profusion of na- 
tive grasses and canes. 

This abundance of wild game has in a great measure dis- 
appeared, from the rapid population of the country : a few 
deer and wild turkeys remain. Of birds, we have, in sea- 
son, the wild pigeon, duck, snow-bird, robin, mocking- 
bird, thrush, cat-bird, humraing-bird, whippoorwill, king- 
fisher, bald eagle, crow, hawk, owl, woodcock, partridge, 
dove, blackbird, &c. Of fish we have the trout, pike, carp, 
eel, sucker, red-horse, cat-fish, perch, &c. 

EDUCATION. 

There exists a general disposition here to encourage litera- 
lure, and bv the liberality of the state the means are provi- 



609 

ded to educate every poor child in the district. Independent 
of the private schools, there v^'ere reported to the legislature 
the last year, by the commissioners, IS free-schools, and 
675 pupils under a course of instruction ; expense of tui- 
tion 1200 dollars, which sum is provided bylaw annu- 
ally. 

RELIGIOUS SECTS, 

The Presbyterians are the most numerous religious sect 
in Laurens, next the Baptists, and then the Methodists : 
among the professors of all denominations there is a grow- 
ing and general desire to promote religion. The first preach- 
ers among the early settlers was the Rev. Mr. Shain, 
from New-Jersey, and Mr. Cresswell, from Philadel- 
phia. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Major Jonathan Downs, and John Hunter, distinguished 
themselves during the revolution, the first in the field, the 
last in the councils of his country. Major Downs receiv- 
ed a bullet in his abdomen in the famous ring fight with 
the Indians. He carried this to the day of his death, 
which occurred when he was 80 years old. An engage- 
ment took place on the 15th of July, 1776, between a party 
of Indians and tories, and a party of militia commanded 
by Major Downs, The former were defeated and fled. 
They were pursued, and thirteen of their number being 
takenj were found to be white men painted like Indians. 

NAMES OF PLACES— INDIAN OR OTHERWISE. 

The Indians that originally inhabited this country were 
under the general nameof Cherokees ; they retired further 
b^k after the treaty made Vi^itli them in 1755. Remains 
of their former existence are occasionally found here and 
*here,in broken implements ploughed up. Few places have 



610/ 

retained the Indian names. Snluda or, Salutah, (its propfi? 
name,) and the Enoree are the only two. 

ROCKS— GRANITE FREESTONE— SOAPSTONE. 

This district lies within the granite region, therefore the 
granite rock is found in abundance. We have no free- 
stone, nor limestone. It is only since the system of inter- 
nal improvement began that we have discovered the valu- 
able materials we possess for building ; otherwise our pub- 
lic buildings would have been erected of stone instead of 
brick. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES — LIBRARIES. 

One public library is established at the court-house. No 
agricultural society is yet formed, though its advantages 
are acknowledged. 

AMOUNT or TAXES. 

The amount of taxes paid by the district the last year 
was 5, 1 92 dollars. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

The same erroneous system in cultivating our lands is 
pursued in this district as in others, so destructive to the 
soil and detrimental to the permanent advantage of the coun- 
try. We earnestly desire to see the agricultural system 
pursued by our planters. We wish to see them giving 
back to the soil some portion of that nourishment which 
they take from it ; otherwise the most deph^rable results 
must follow ; short crops, and barren fields, the disappear- 
ance of the forests, and a desolate country. 

One other improvement is worthy of consideration, a 
better mode of instruction in the free-schools, by which in- 
formation will be sooner acquired, and a more general at- 
tendance of the children obtained. 



611 



LEXINGTON. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

This district, when first settled, was merged in Orange- 
burg precincts. A parish and township were laid out in 
abput the year 1750, and named Saxegotha, in compli- 
ment to the first settlers of the country, who came from 
that part of Germany. The fork between Broad and Sa- 
luda rivers was settled about the same period, mostly by- 
Germans. Some of the most conspicuous characters among 
them were Beard, (that owned Beard's falls on Saluda,) 
Weaver, Giger, Raul, Grim, Counts, Crammer, Ruflf, Sum- 
mers, Fulmer, Sweetenburg, Mayer, Leriston, Piester, 
Da wait, Keller, M' Martin, Bulow, Chapman, Swygart^ 
Drher, &c. Also John Pearson, though not a German, 
He was a surveyor, and laid off a great part of the land 
first granted in this part of the country. 

The present name of the district, it is presumed, was 
given in honor of the place vvhere the first American blood 
was spilt in defence of liberty. 

SITUATION BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Lexington is situated mostly in what is callad the mid- 
dle country ; bounded on the N, E. by the Congaree and 
Broad rivers, (which divide it from Richland and Fair- 
field districts.) On the N. VV. by a straight line, extending 
from Ruflf's ferry on Broad, S. 17'' 15', W. 31 miles, 
15 chains, or to the head waters of N. Edisto river, which 
divides it from Newberry and part of Edgefield. On the 
S. W. by the north Edisto, which divides it from Orange- 
burg, down to the bridge called the private bridge, opposite 
to f5ig pond branch. On the S. E. by a line drawn N. 61, 
E. SI miles 72 chains, to Congaree river, following the 

r F 3 



612 

ceurseof Beaver creek, after Intersecting it, which divides' 
it from Orangeburg. 

The district contains, by computation, 652,800 acres ; 
averaging 34 miles long by 30 broad, 

IS^ATURE OF THE SOIL, ANT) CROPS— VALUE OF PRODUCTrS— 
DIVISION OF PROPERTr- 

The largest portion of the lands in Lexington is inclu- 
ded in the sandy region, covered with an immense growth 
of pines. The most valuable lands, in a body, lie in the 
fork, formed by the Broad and Saluda rivers ; except those 
situated on the banks of the rivers, and contiguous to the 
small streams. In the fork clay predominates, mixed 
with a rich mould. The low lands on the rivers are ex- 
tremely rich ; but in times of great floods are subject to be 
overflowed. 

The principal products of this district are cotton and corn; 
wheat, rye, and oats, are also raised. Abundande of tiin- 
ber is sawed into boards and taken fo market ; the diistrict 
having a number of good mill-seats, and excellent timber. 

The quality of the cotton raised, is the short staple, or 
green seed ; the quantity varies, from 100 to 1000 pounds 
per acre in the seed« Of corn, the product per acre is 
from 10 to 50 bushels i the price from 35 to 75 cents. The 
price of lumber at the mills is from 75 to 100 cents per 
hundred feet. The same ruinous system of culture is pur- 
sued in this, as in other districts, namely, taking all fromj, 
and giving back nothing of nourishment to the soil ; wear- 
ing out the land, and then abandoning it. The farming 
system is very little in practice here, owing to the exten- 
sive, and profitable culture of the cotton plant, which in- 
duces a neglect of every thing else. 

The best quality low lands, on the river, will sell for 
from 30 to 50 dollars per acre. The best uplands are worth 
from 10 to 20 dollars, according to situation : the value 
of the pine lands is from 25 cents to 5 dollars an acre. 



613 

Property is pretty equally divided here. The industri^ 
ous character of the inhabitants, mostly of German extrac» 
tion, has forbid a monopoly ; a good deal of equality i^ 
feept up among them. 

MARKETS^ 

Columbia has now become the principal market for all the 
products of the district Some little is carried to Charles- 
ton, particularly lumber, through the medium of the Edisto 
river. 

PRICE OF LABOR-^-BOARDING, &C» 

Field hands are hired mostly by the year, at from 60 to 
SO dollars, and found. The price of boarding varies from 
50 10 100 dollars a year, according to circumstances of ac- 
Gommodation, &c. 

POPULATION—CLIMATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY, &c. 

According to the census taken in 1820 the population of 
this district was S0S3 ; of which 5367 were whites, 2801 
slaves, and 15 free blacks. The census of 1800 gave 5191 ; 
increase near 3000 in 20 years. The disposition to emi- 
grate does not manifest itself here ; the people appear to be 
very well satisfied to remain stationary. The climate of 
Lexington is in general mild and salubrious, except imme= 
diately bordering on the water-courses ; what few diseases 
prevail are mostly confined to the bilious remittent fevers^ 
Several instances of longevity are on record, and a few of 
their names are as follows : Andrew Rumny, of Sandy run, 
died in 1797, aged 103 ; Nelly Synder (who had ten hus= 
bands) was 90 years old in 1808. Many other names of 
those who have attpned their 80th year might be mentioned. 

/ DISTRICT TOWN— VILLAGES. 

The seat of justice is named after the district, Lexington. 
It contains 15 houses^ besides the public buildings. It 



614 

stands near the centre of the district, in a hiajh, health)* 
situ^ftion, 13 miles from Columbia, on the post road to Au- 
gusra, and about 4 miles in a straight line south of Saluda 
river The population of the village does not exceed 10 
families, containing 80 souls. 

Granly is situate in this district, and was once a flourish- 
ing Town, where much business was done previous to t!»e 
establishment of Columbia; since which it has declined, and 
is now nearly deserted. Its insalubrity was another cause 
of its decline. Had it been located at the junction of the 
Saluda it would have been still in existence, and probably 
made the seat of government ; this spot being equally 
healthy with that on vvhich Columbia is situated. 

Granly was one of the first settlements formed in this 
section of the country. It was laid out under the prospect 
of its becoming a place of commercial importance, being at 
the head of navigation of Congaree river. A township v^^as 
originally attached to it, 7 miles square, and named after 
the parish, Saxegotha. It was defended on each side, by- 
two forts, and constituted an important station during the 
revolutionary war. Gen, Sumter, in February, 1781, 
made an attempt upon this post, and destroyed its maga- 
zines ; but, on the appearance of Lord Rawdon, was obliged 
to retreat. After this it was besieged, and harassed for 
some time by Col. Thomas Taylor's regiment of militia. 
On the night of the 14th of May, Lieut. Col, Lee erected a 
battery within 600 yards of its outworks, on which he 
mounted a six pounder. After the third discharge from this 
iiledpiece, Major Maxwell, who commanded the fort, capi- 
tulated. His force consisted of 352 men, a great part of 
whom were royal militia, The fall of this place was owing 
■ principally to the activity and perseverance of Col. Taylor, 
who had previous to Col. Lee's appearance warned the gar- 
rison out. 

Very advantageous terms were given by the assailant, in 
consequence of information that Lord Rawdon was marching 



. 615 

to his relief. This was a post of more consequence than 
the others, and mi^^ht have been better defened ; but the 
offer of security to the bag2;a2;e of the garrison, in which 
was included an immense quantity of plunder, hastened the 
surrender. 

There is one other settlement or village in the district;, 
Piatt's springs, situate on the banks of the Cungaree creek, 
devoted chiefly to the accommodation of a literary institu- 
tion. It is much resorted to in the summer for health ; the 
springs being pure and abundant. 

WATER-COURSES— NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

This district is well watered. The Congaree, Broad, 
Saluda, and Edisto rivers, border and pass through its 
whole extent. The three first are navigable throughout all 
the year for boats dravving two feet water. The Edisto is 
passable with rafts, during high waters, almost to the Edge- 
field line. 

From these rivers a number of small streams branch off, 
the greater furnishing many fine mill-seats, on which saw- 
mills are mostly erected. The Saluda, with its canals, locks, 
&c. promises to be of immense importance to this district^ 
as this river passes through the richest portion of its lands. 

ROCKS, GRANITE, FREESTONE— MD3ERALS. 

On the banks of the Saluda and Broad river abundance of 
rock is found, chiefiy of the granite kind ; all the public 
works on these rivers were furnished from this source, and 
test the excellent quality of the stone. There is a peculiar 
and rare species of granite rock found on the Saluda at the 
entrance of the guard lock of the lower canal, remarkably 
hard, and of a beautiful chocolate color. On and near the 
banks of the Congaree creek, in the vicinity of Piatt's 
springs, quarries of freestone are found ; some of it very 
white and fine, at a little distance resembling marble. The 
nature of it is such, that when first taken out of the quarry 



616 

it is easily worked, but grows harder the longer it is ex- 
posed to the air. Much of it is transported to Columbia^ 
and used to ornament the buildings there, and for steps, 
sills, &c. The quantity of this stone seems to be inex- 
haustible, stretching in a southwest direction over towards 
Edisto river. There is no limestone in this district ; but 
there is a species of chalk, or potter's clay, found, which is 
used in the place of chalk. Congaree BlufFj on the riverj, 
presents a beautiful, variegated, pink-coloured stone, of a 
soft and soapy nature ; at the Wateree creek, northeast 
corner of the district, slgtestone is found. The only metal- 
lic substance discovered here is iron ; this, however, is too 
3mall in quantity and poor in quality to be noticed. There 
niav be minerals in RutT's mountain, (which lies on the 
borders of Newberry,) but no search has yet been made t^ 
ascertain the fact. * 

* Ruff's mountain, near the Lexington and Newberry line, is a. 
very short and narrow ridge, running northeast and southwest, about 
one mile in length. It is at least 300 feet above the ordinary level of 
the adjacent country, and is the highest land between Saluda and 
Broad river : it overlooks a considerable proportion of Fairfield, Ne\v-\ 
berry, and Lexington districts. On the same range, but separate, is 
another elevation, of a pyramidal form, somewhat inferior in altitude. 
This mountain is about five miles from Broad river, and about eight 
miles from Saluda. The summit is covered over with the long leaf 
pine; a variety of oak and other timber is found at its base, where 
rise several large springs. The general appearance of the mountaui, 
its elevation above the surrounding country, the beauty of the pros- 
pect from its summit, and the excellency of the water, suggest at 
once its fitness as a retreat from the prevalence of fevers and other 
diseases that owe their origin to the moisture of the low country. 

A tradition has prevailed that lead ore, in the virgin state, was in 
former times abundantly procured at this mountain. The stones on 
jts summit are sienite, ferruginous sandstone, clay, slate, and talc. 
From the abundance of this last, the whole range has been named 
Mount Talco. Its present name is derived from the proprietor of the 
Jand — it had some other before he purchased it. 

On the south side of the mountain is an excavation in the shape of a 



7 



MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

Besides the finest quality of pine timber in this dis- 
trict, there is the poplar, black walnut, maple, and oaji, for 
building ; of stone, as before remarked, there is an abun= 
dance, and the river flats furnish the best of clay for making 
bricks. 

TIMBER TREES, FRUIT TREES, he, 

Lexington is noted for the fine quality of its timber, the 
loos; leaf pine mostly prevailing. It is no uncommon thing 
to find trees of this description 2;irthing six or seven feet» 
Besides the poplar, walnut, maple, and various species of 
the oak, there are the mock-orange, evergreen, elm, hick- 
ory, ash, gum, &c. Of fruit trees there are, the peach, 
plum, cherry, pear, quince, and apple ; besides the native 
grapes, and various nuts and melons. 

FISH GAME— BIRDS, &e. 

Of fish there are in season, the shad and sturgeon, also 
the trout, bream, red-horse, mud-fish, cat-fish, and a variety 
of perch. Of game there are, the deer, and, in season^ 
wild pigeons, partridges, snipes, woodcocks, and owls, 
besides doves, larks, woodpeckers, sparrows, hawks, 
crows, and (rarely) the bald eagle. Of singing birds there 
Are, the thrush, mocking-bird, red-bird, blue-bird, jay, &Co 

ROADS— BRIDGES—FERRIES— CANALS, &c. 

The roads are generally good, though somewhat sandy, 
Two sections of the state road have been made in this 
district ; one through Hugabook swamp, and the other in 

well, nearly filled up with stones, of a considerable size. It is walled 
\yith stone around its margin, three feet m height, and sloping off 
Sixteen feet. It was a work of great labor, and supposed to have been 
the work of the aborigines of the country, or some enterprising miners 
af former days. 



618 

the fork of the rivers Broad and Saluda, from Dair's tavern, 
five miles towards Columbia. The first was a formidable 
underfakina; and cost the state a considerable sum. Although 
so high above the swamp it is still subject to be overflowed 
in high freshets of the river. On one of these occasions 
the state lost a valuable life in Dr. Simons, professor of 
chemistry and natural philosophy in the South Carolina 
college, who was drowned in attempting to cross this 
swamp during a great rise of the river. He was a gentle- 
man of the highest promise, and a native of this state. The 
causeway was covered, and venturing tlirough he soon 
plunged into deep water and was dismounted. He reached a 
fence upon which he for some time sustained himself, but at 
length, benumbed and frozen, he tumbled off and perished ; 
his faithful servant struggling to assist his masier shared the 
same fate. The difficulties encountered in making this 
road secure from floods will probably occasion it to be 
changed so as to head the swamp. The state road from 
Charleston to the mountains passes the vs^hole length of this 
district, except a small turn-off on the Richland side going 
through Columbia. At this crossing place of the river a 
substantial and handsome bridge of eleven arches is build- 
ing, raised on stone piers twenty -five feet high, so as to be 
several feet above the highest floods. 

The Congaree creek, where the state road crosses it, is 
bridged. 

This district is well provided with ferries, which are kept 
generally in good order. The two principal, at Granly and 
Columbia, will probably be dispensed with as soon as the 
bridge is completed, which is expected to be passable this 
year. The two most formidable obstructions in the Saluda 
river, (Drehr's and Beard's falls,) and those on the Broad 
and Congaree rivers (Bull's and the Congaree shoals) are ali 
canalled and locked round. The two first embrace a fall of 
fifty -three feet in less than eleven miles ; tfie two latter a 
fall of fourteen feet in little more than five miles- 



619 



MANUFACTURES, DOMESTIC AND OTHERS. 

What little of manufactures is carried on in this district 
is principally confined to private families. No public nor 
private establishments on a large scale have been erected in 
this district. Much however in the domestic way is to be 
found, as is evidentfrom the clothing worn by the inhabitants, 

ACADEMIES, SCHOOLS, &c.— LITERATURE. 

The Plattspring academy has been long known to the 
public as a first rate institution for the education of youth, 
preparatory to entering college. It ov.'es its founda- 
tion and present eminence, to the liberality and indefatiga- 
ble care of Abraham Geiger, Esq. who for several years 
supported it from his private purse. This academy is now 
one of the most flourishing in the state. 

The institution has a small but well selected library at- 
tached to it. The average number of students is from 60 
to 70 ; the present year there are upwards of 80. The 
price of tuition is very moderate, as also boarding, (there 
being several respectable private houses for this purpose,} 
which is at the rate of eight dollars per month. 

The salubrity of the site, purity of the waters, remote- 
ness from scenes of dissipation, strict discipline, and the 
parental kindness of the original founder of the academy^- 
tend to give it decided advantages over many other estab- 
lishments of a similar kind in the state. It was founded 
in 1812, and lies 12 miles S. W. of Columbia. This place 
is much visited both for health and I'ecreation by the sur- 
rounding neighborhood, during the summer. 

It is to be regretted that so little attention is yet paid to 
literature in this district In the progress of its improve- 
ment, a hope is entertained, that our youth shall be distin- 
guided in the service of their country, equally with the 
youth of other districts. Little or no progress has yet been 

Cr G S 



J 



620 

made in the arts. This is the result of science which we 
have yet to acquire. Agriculture is one of those arts which 
we cannot too early attend to. The ruinous system of cul- 
tivating, without manuring the land, is too prevalent among 



SiFUMBER OF POOR — EXPENSE OF THEM — AMOUNT OF TAXES. 

There are few paupers in this district compared with the 
extent of the population, and these are well provided for. 
The district pays towards this object, at the rate of 25 per 
cent upon the amount of its general tax, which is equal to 
^657,36 per annum. The taxes paid into the treasury of 
the state, amount to ^2,629 45= 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS SECTS, &c. 

The German Lutheran church is the most numerous sect 
in the district. There are seven in what is called the Dutch 
Forky and seven on the southwest side of Saluda river. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Those who distinguished themselves in the war of the 
revolutionj deserve to rank as eminent. Among others^ 
we would particularly mention the names of Gabriel Friday 
and Godfrey Drehr, devoted friends to the cause of liberty, 
and zealous partisans in the war of the revolution. 

NAMES OF PLACES—INDIAN OR OTHERWISE. 

The Indian names of places are all extinct, except in the 
instances of Saluda, Edisto, and Congaree. The Indians 
that originally inhabited this part of the country, were the 
Congarees, a peaceable tribe, but who once joined in a con- 
spiracy with the Yamassees, Creeks, Apalachian, and other 
Indians, to exterminate the whites, in 1751. The attempt, 
however, failed. 



621 



WASTE LANDS— SWAMPS-— IMPROVEMEKTS WANTED. 

The waste lands, properly speaking, in this district, are 
confined to the swamps ; though these are of very little ex- 
tent. The pine lands furnish good grazing for cattle. None 
of the swamp lands have been yet reclaimed, so as to be 
perfectly secure from freshets, though the river swamps are 
mostly in cultivation ; but the crops are rather uncertain. 
As the best lands are confined to the margin of the great 
water-courses, the principal improvement required is, to 
embank in, and secure them from the destructive effects of 
freshets. 

A good system of agricultural practice, is another im- 
provement wanted. If these improvements were effected, 
a number of others would necessarily follow, much to the 
advantage of the people. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

This district is equally divided between the alluvial and 
primitive formation, which line is strongly marked both in 
the soil and character of the streams : those in the alluvial 
country having swampy margins, while those in the primi- 
tive are exempt from these. The most prominent object in 
this district, is Ruff's mountain, so named from the gentle- 
man who is the present proprietor of it. This mountain is 
entirely isolated, rising to a considerable height, and situate 
between the waters of Broad and Saluda. The following 
streams head in and near it :— -Camping, Bear, Preston*s, 
and Wateree creeks. The dividing line between Newberry 
and Lexington, passes over it, placing the largest portioR 
of it in this district. 



622 
MARION. 

HISTORY OP THE SETTLEMENT — ORIGIN OP ITS NAME. 

Marion was settled about the same time with the adjoin- 
ing districts, namely, about the year 1750 ; chiejfly by 
Virginians. It was originally included in Craven county, 
then Liberty. The present name was given in honor of 
the brave Gen. Marion. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, ANB EXTENT. 

Marion lies in the same range of country with Williams- 
burg, and is one of the extreme eastern districts of the state, 
being bounded on the N. E. by North Carolina, begin- 
ning at Lumber river, or Drowning creek, at the place 
where the line of the N. E. corner of Darlington district 
terminates, and running thence N. 474 W. 31 miles 30 
chains, to a point designated by a dead pine, near McJen- 
sie's house, half a mile S. and S. E. from the road leading 
from the Red bluff (on Gun swamp) in Marlborough dis 
trict ; thence S. 224 W. 44 miles, over to Lynches creek, 
(opposite the same line continued, dividing Williamsburg 
from Sumter,) which separates it from Marlborough and 
Darlington districts on the S, W. ; thence down Lynch's 
creek into the Great Pedee, and down the same to the junc- 
tion of the Little Pedee ; which divides it from Williams- 
burg and Georgetown on the W. and S. W. : thence up 
the Little Pedee, and Lumber river, to the point of begin- 
ning, which separates Marion from Horry district. 

The district presents an awkward shape ia its S W. 
corner, in the peninsula, formed by the junction of the 
Great and Little Pedee ; but averaging its extent, may be 
said to be 41 miles one way, by 30 miles the other; and 
contains 787,000 iSquare acres. 



The population of Marion in ISOO was 6914 ; of which 
2155 were slaves. The census of 18:^0 gave as follows: 
6j652 whites, 3,463 slaves, 86 free blacks ; total 10,301 ; 
an increase, in this time, of upwards of 50 per cent ; al- 
though considerable emigrations took place in the interval,, ' 
to Alabama and Mississippi. This however has happily 
subsided ; and there is a prospect, that the increase of po- 
pulation will be considerable in the succeeding 20 years j 
especially should measures be taken to improve the natu- 
ral advantages possessed by the district. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL — PRODUCTS — VALUE OF THE SAME. 

The swamp lands, which are of considerable extent here, 
are composed of the richest soil. The uplands are sandy, 
bottomed on clay. The products cultivated are cotton, 
corn, wheat, pease, and potatoes, 

The quantity of cotton produced to the acre varies, ac- 
cording to the soil, from 300 to 1300 weight in the seed. 
Corn from 5 to 40 bushels per acre. Potatoes average 200 
bushels per acre ; and wheat from 10 to 30 bushels per 
acre ; and this of the best quality. 

The value of lands is in the ratio of their productive qua- 
lities. While the swamp lands reclaimed and secured from 
freshets, will bring 50 dollars an acre | and the oak and 
hickory lands 15 dollars an acre ; the pine lands will- 
scarcely sell for 1 dollar per acre. 

Property is pretty equally divided in this district. The 
price of corn averages about 50 cents per bushel ; potatoes 
S5 cents; pease 50 cents ; and wheat from $1 to ^1 25 
per bushel. 

Georgetown and Charleston are the principal markets 
for the produce of this district ; though some little is 
taken to Fayetteville. 

DISTRICT TOWN. 

The courts are held at Gilesborough, but now called 



624 

Marion. It is situate on the east side of Catfish creek, a 
water of the Great Pedee, in lat. 34° 8', Ion. 1° 51' 30" 
east of Columbia, distant 93^ miles. It contains about 30 
houses, and one hundred inhabitants; a handsome new court- 
house, built of brickj a jail, and academy. . 

LAKES — -CHEEKS STREAMS NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

Marion district is intersected in all directions with the 
finest rivers and creeks. The Great and Little Pedee, both 
navigable for vessels of considerable burden ; Lynches 
creek, also navigable its whole course through the district j 
and Catfish creek, which might easily be made navigable 
up to the court-house. Besides these there are Jeffrie's 
creek, Ashpole, Buck, Sweet, Big, Smith, and Poke 
swamps ; also numerous small streams. The principal 
lakes are Jordou's and Snow's lakes ; the latter, with the 
Great Pedee, forms two islands — Hunter and Gaston's 
Islands. The former designates a spot called Snow's Island, 
famous in the revolutionary war, as forming the secure re- 
treat of Gen. Marion in the midst of the enemy, and from 
whence he could take them by surprise. This island lies 
immediately below the junction of Lynch's creek, with the 
Great Pedee, being bounded on two sides by these streams, 
and by Clark's creek on the west and south. Here, by 
having the command of the rivers, he could be abundantly 
supplied with provisions, and his post completely inac- 
cessible, except by water. 

There are some other sheets of water in the swamps ; the 
chief of which is the Duckpond, up the. great Pedee, near 
the Darlington line. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES— MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

The long leafed pine is - most abundant of the forest 
trees ; next the cypress, various kinds of oak, the hickory,-, 
tupilo, &c. Of fruit trees the peach, apple, pear, plum, &c. 
are common. 



^ 625 

The pin« and cypress are made most use of for building, 
but good clay is found in various places, suitable to make 
brick. The new court-house bricks were burnt not far 
from where it is built ; but there is no lime in the district ; 
this is mostly brought from Georgetown. 

EXPENSES OF LIVING PRICE OF LABOKo 

Boarding is from 80 to 100 dollars per annum. Labor- 
ing hands from 65 to 100 dollars per annum, and found, 

CLOIATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY. 

The climate, taking the whole year round, is pleasant. 
Off the water courses the situations are healthy. The dis- 
eases of the country are bilious fevers. Several instances 
of longevity are to be found in the district. Between the 
Little Pedee and Catfish creek, six or eight old men died 
since 1800 ; one of them, named James Ford, at the age of 
100; James, Moses, Martin, Buckingham, Keen, Michael, 
Mixon, and William Watson, between 60 and 80. James 
Munnubyn served the office of constable at 86 ; walked 
50 miles to serve a process, and returned home again, in 
less than three days. 

As the swamps are the principal sources of disease in this 
country, it is much to be regretted that measures are not 
taken to drain, or reclaim them, which would not only se- 
cure the blessing of health to the people, but afford an im 
mense quantity of rich soil for cultivation to the district 

MANUFACTURES. 

* 'These are domestic altogether. Labor is too valuable 
in raising cotton, to be devoted to manufacturing it into 
cloth. 

NUMBER OF CATTLE, SHEEP, SWINE &c.— AND THEIR VALUE, 

About 1000 head of cattle are sent annually to market, 
besides hogs, which exceed three times the number of 



626 

beeves ; neat cattle sell at 10 dollars per head, and hogs at 
5 dollars. 

FISH GAME— BIRDS. 

The shad and herring, in season, are caught in great 
abundance in this district ; as also the sturgeon. The Pe- 
dee is the last river to the south, where the herring is caught 
in large numbers. 

The indigenous fish are trout, bream, perch, cat-fish, &c. 
The game are deer, wild turkeys, ducks, wild pigeons, 
geese, besides the common birds of the country. 

NUMBER or POOR EXPENSE OP THEM — DISTILLERIES. 

There are about ten or twelve paupers in this district, 
the expense of supporting which, amounts annually to 
about 1300 dollars. 

There are a few private distilleries. 

BUND, DEAF AND DUMB—AND LUNATIC PERSONS. 

Two deaf and dumb persons are in this district, but no 
lunatics. 

EDUCATION — PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 

Education is improving. There is a number of private 
schools established in various parts, which are well sup- 
ported : an academy is instituted at the court-house (Giles- 
borough), which has 40 or 50 pupils. The liberality of the 
state has been properly appreciated in this district The 
commissioners' report on free-schools exhibit during the 
last two years 458 poor children educated at an expense of 
^1337 68, which is paid by the state. The means of edu- 
cation are hereby opened to all that choose to avail them- 
selves of them. Few states in the Union have manifested 
so much liberality in furthering the objects of education 
among its citizens as South Carolina ; and the most happy 
results are anticipated from this munificence^ in the iotelli- 



627 

gence of the people, and the security given thereby to the 
liberties of the country. 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Methodists are the most numerous religious sect iu 
this district | next to these are the Presbyterians ; then the 

ts. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Colonels Giles and Wetherspoon were two of the earliest 
settlers of this district, and distinguished themselves during 
the revolutionary war. Captain Gavin and John Wether- 
spoon, of Pedee, were enterprising, spirited officers, and 
rendered great services to the country during the revolu- 
tionary wan Captain James Conyers was much distin 
guished for his gallant conduct also, at this period. Captain 
John Timons, of Pedee, was a brave officer, and was killed 
at the Eutaws, 

CUSTOMS—AMUSEMENTS. 

A custom has long prevailed in this district, which is still 
continued ; namely, the assembly of great numbers of wo- 
men during court times ; this being the season when they 
make their purchases from the peddlers, who collect here 

and form a fair, 

NAMES OF rLACES— INDIAN OR OTHERWISE- 

The Bowling-green, situate five miles north of the court- 
house, is noted as being the place where Gen. Marion sta- 
tioned his army during the war, 

Marion's camp, already noticed, opposite Snow Island, 
on/the east side of the Great Pedee, is also noted. The 
rivers are the only objects that ha^-e retained the Indian 

H H 3 



628 

names. Lynch's creek, by the Indians was called Kad-di- 
peaw river, by which title it is to be regretted it is not now 
designated. 

ROCKS, GRANITE, FREESTONE, &C. 

Marion, lying within the alluvial region, presents no 
appearance of stone, except what is called the shell lime" 
stone ; which is found in several places, and which, no 
doubt, exists in all parts of the district It has been most 
noticed in the upper section, and if burnt, would answer as 
a good substitute for the shell or stone lime, either for 
building or agricultural purposes. 

LIBRARY AND OTHER SOCIETIES. 

A public library is about being established at the court- 
house. It is anticipated that this will lead to other associa» 
tions for the improvement of the people and country. 

The proper cultivation of the soil, and the best means of 
reclaiming waste lands, are certainly objects of primary 
importance, and worthy to engage the first talents of the 
country. A society established for mutual communications 
on these subjects, tested by experiments, would have the 
happiest effect in advancing the agricultural interests of the 
district. 

AMOUNT OF TAXES. 

The proportion of taxes paid by this district amounted the 

last year to ^2972 40, which is about an average, 

WASTE LANDS— SWAMPS— QUANTITY RECLAIMED. 

Great quantities of waste land, both upland and swamp^ 
are to be found in this district. They are, howeverj good 
tor cattle ranges. Several thousand acres of both inland and 
river swamp lands have been reclaimed, by banking them 
in from freshets. 



629 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING 

[See Beaufort district.] 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATiONS., 

This section of country is celebrated in the revolution as 
being the seat of war during the most trying period of the 
conflict for independence. Many places are pointed out 
where battles were fought, and battles won. 



MARLBOROUGH. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME, ] 

Soon after Braddock's defeat the frontier inhabitants of 
Virginia and Pennsylvania began to move southwardly ; 
and this section of the state was settled by a few of them. 
The progress of population was slow previous to the Indian 
treaty, in 1755 : after which it began to increase ; but re- 
ceived several checks, until the close of the revolutionary 
war, when a considerable accession took place. 

In the original division of the province this district was 
included in Craven county. In the second division it came 
within the precincts of Cheraw. In 1798, it was erected 
into an independent judicial district, under the present namej 
which is presumed to be in honor of the Duke of Marl- 
borough. 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

"Marlborough forms the extreme northeast corner of the 
state, and lies mostly within the alluvial region ; only a 
small angle (the northwest) dipping into the granite, or pri- 
mitive formation. This district is bounded on the south= 
west by the Great Pedee river, which separates it from 
Darlington, as high up as Pouncey's ferry-, and from Ches- 



630 

terfield, as high up as the North Carolina line, about 12 
chains above Parker's ferry ; on the north by a line drawn 
in 1764, through the last mentioned point, directly east and 
west 14i miles to a light wood post, which divides it from 
North Carolina ; on the northeast by a line drawn from the 
said light wood post, (which marks the northeast corner of 
the state, being part of the line run in 1764, dividing South 
and North Carolina,) S. 48, E, 171 miles, to a dead pine ; 
and on the southeast by Marion district, from which it is 
separated by a line drawn from the aforesaid dead pine S. 
22i, W. 241 miles, or until it intersects the Pedee riven 

The average length of the district is 27 miles — breadth 
IS miles ; and it contains 311,040 square acres. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL— PRODUCTS. 

Marlborough contains a considerable quantity of produc- 
tive land, composed chiefly of highland swamp, which is 
rarely subject to be overflowed by freshets. The uplands 
are covered with a growth of pines; the soil light and sandy, 
but having a clay bottom, and therefore capable of retaining 
manure. Much of this land yields very well when properly 
cultivated. The streams which intersect the district in 
every direction, furnish margins of excellent soil ; but lit- 
tle of this is yet brought into cultivation. 

The river lands are cultivated even to the very edge of 
the water, and are generally from one to three miles wide. 

This district derives great advantages from these low 
grounds. They extend along the whole length of Chester- 
field and Darlington, a distance of sixty miles by water, 
\vhich is more than its other three boundary lines taken 
together. They constitute the wealth of the district, and 
will one day be immensely valuable, when they are com- 
pletely redeemed from the river freshets. These lands 
were settled about the year 1765. 

The staple product of the district is cotton ; little else is 
raised for market. Corn, wheat, rye, and oats, are alto- 



631 

gether for domestic use. The river lands yield abundant 
crops, both of cotton and corn ; of the former 1000 lbs. in 
the seed, to the acre, as a common average, or 50 bushels of 
corn. 

The uplands would average about half the above quanti- 
ties to the acre. 

DISTRICT TOWN — VILLAGES. 

When the district, was first laid out the court-house wa.* 
located a few hundred yards from the low grounds of Pe- 
dee, on the first rise above them, about a mile direct from 
the river, and close to the banks of Crooked creek. Be- 
sides the court-house and jail, there were built here three 
or four stores, and five or six dwelling-houses, but no ta- 
vern. This village was called Winfieldsville, but better 
known as Marlborough court-house. The insalubrity of 
the site, and want of centrality to the district, induced the 
legislature to order a town to be laid out more central, whicii 
was accordingly done in ISIS, on the S. E. side of Crook 
ed creek, 6 miles higher up, and named in honor of the 
then Governor of the state, Bennetville. The local position 
of this place promises health to its inhabitants, as it is re- 
moved out of the influence of the swamp miasma ; the pre- 
valent winds in the summer blowing from the village, over 
the swamp. 

In 1821-22, a handsome court-house and jail were erect- 
ed here of brick, rough-cast, to imitate stone-work. The 
offices under the court room are all vaulted, and made fire- 
proof ; all the rooms in the jail are also made indestructible 
b}' fire. 

The court-house presents, in front, a portico cf Doric 

columns, surmounted by a pediment, raised on an arcade 

/one story high. To the platform of the portico you ascend 

by a double flight of circular steps, from which you pass 

through a vestibule previous to entering the court room. 



632 

On each side of the vestibule are two jury roomsj whicli 
open into the court room only, over which are the galleries. 
The jail presents a neat, characteristic front The village 
is improving, but rather slowly. 

LAKES — CREEKS— STREAMS— NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE- 

The great Pedee river is the principal stream of Marlbo- 
rough, and by its meanders washes the district for sixty 
miles — navigable the most of this distance for steam-boats, 
and for smaller boats higher up ; though, from the obstruc- 
tions that occur above the town of Cheraw, no boats ascend 
or descend this part of the river. The simiosities of the 
Pedee are very remarkable, as may be perceived from the 
fact, that, by a straight line, the distance is less than forty 
miles, and the course of the river gives sixty. This 
circumstance, however, affords great advantages, both in 
point of agriculture and navigation ; the current of the 
stream being considerably lessened by this elongation of its 
bed. 

The little Pedee, called here Gum swamp, passes through 
the S. E. corner of the district, and sends forth two or 
three branches. The next streams, in the order of their im- 
portance, are Crooked creek, Beaver dam, the Three runs, 
Naked, Muddy, White's, Phill's, Husband's, and Hick's 
creeks ; besides Mark's creek, which just touches upon the 
north line of the district. Most of these creeks run through 
swamp lands, which, at some future day, will become very 
valuable, though neglected now, much to the injury of the 
health of the neighborhood. These streams furnish excel- 
lent mill seats ; on some of which are erected mills for saw- 
ing lumber, ginning cotton, &c. The principal of these 
are Gen. Thomas's, Maj. Robinson's, and Maj. Pledger's ; 
all on Crooked creek ; and Col. Robert Campbell's, on the 
Three runs, who has, at a considerable ^pense, construct- 
ed a stupendous dam across this creek, and erected some 
fin.e mills. 



6S3 



Several of those verdant spots in the wilderness, called 
Savannahs, are to be found occasionally in this district. The 
most noted is called the Beauty spot^ near the centre of the 
district. It is about four miles in circuitj composed of small 
cypress and grass, always green. Settlements extend the 
whole way for the sake of the range for stock. 

VALUE OF LAND— PRICE OF PROVISIONS, OF LABOR, &c. 

Uncleared river swamp land sells readily for from 15 to 
20 dollars per acre. A tract of 400 acres sold some time 
ago for 6000 dollars ; another tract, about half pine and low 
grounds, sold for 17 dollars per acre. When secured from 
freshets, and cleared for cultivation, these river lands are 
worth 50 dollars per acre. The upland and inland swamps 
vary in price, from 50 cents to 6 dollars per acre. 

Little more provisions are raised than will suffice for 
plantation use. The price is very various, according to cir- 
cumstances of scarcity. Corn may be averaged at 50 cents 
a bushel ; wheat at one dollar. 

Field hands hire from SO to 100 dollars per annum, and 
found. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES, 

The river lands furnish a great variety of the finest tim» 
her trees, composed of the cypress, sycamore, cotton-tree^ 
the various kinds of oak, sweet gum, hickory, chesnutj, 
poplar, bay, and a number of others. The uplands are 
mostly covered with the long leaf pine, except where the 
streams run, which furnish most of the before-mentioned 
trees. 

The native fruit trees are, the crab-apple, plum, various 
kinds of grape, haws, chesnut, chinguapin, besides & 
¥3riety of berries, &c. The exotic fruit trees are, the ap- 
phf peach, nectarine, &c. 



6M' 



CLIMATE DISEASES INSTANCES OF LONGEVTTI, 

When this district was first settled, the planters located 
their habitations almost contiguous to the river banks. These 
situations were then considered healthy, and the inhabit- 
ant of the sandy interior was deemed, upon the river, a 
kind of curiosity, and half savage ; but the owners and 
overseers now fly to these very sand hills, as the sickly 
months approach. There are several parts of the district 
which may be considered healthy ; but in the vicinity of 
the swamps, whether, on the river or inland, chills and fe- 
vers prevail, and sometimes prove fatal. The nature of all 
the diseases incident to the district, comes under the name 
of bilious. Several instances of longevity occur in the dis- 
trict, but few exceeding seventy years. 

COMMERCE— MANUFACTURES— IIO ADS— BRIDGES, ANIV 
FERRIES J 

The market of this district is Cheraw. In manufactures 
very little is done, except in the domestic way. 

The roads generally are in good order, but where they 
pass through the swamps, they are in some places intolera- 
bly bad. The bridge that has been erected across the Pe- 
ace river, at Cheraw, is a great convenience to the district, 
and much used ; it is in fine order. Since its erection the 
travelling is mostly directed that way. The mail route is 
over this bridge. 

POPULATION— TAXES REPRESENTATION. 

in ISOO, when a census was taken of the inhabitants irj 
this district ; the total number amounted to 5,452, of which 
3,880 were whites, 1,393 slaves, and 179 free blacks. 
When the last census was taken, in 1S20, the population 
stood as follows :— -Whites 3,350 ; slaves 3033 ; free blacks 
'''A2 ; total 6.425, The cause of this reduction cf whi^'e 



inhabitants is to be traced to emigrationsj and removal to 
othc-r districts and the western states. 

The amount of taxes for the last year, was $3,319 21, 
and representation to the legislature, two representatives 
and one senator. 

FISH— GAME BIRDS. 

Quantities of shad and sturgeon are caught In the Pedee 
during the spring ; besides which, there are the rrout, perch, 
rock, bream, cat-fish, eel, &c. Of game, there are a few 
deer, wild turkeys, wood-cocks, snipes, ducks, wild pi- 
geons, occasionally partridges, &c. ; besides the mocking- 
bird, red and blue bird, thrush, hawk, owl, whip-poor- 
wili, &c. 

ROCKS — GRANITE FREEST0^?K, &C. — MINERALS. 

In the N W, angle of the district, granite rocks appear, 
a,nd are found in the bed of the Pedee river, as low down 
as Cheraw. Some appearances of a free or brown sand 
stone, have been discovered in some places in the Pedee 
below. On the shallow bars some masses of metallic mat- 
ter are found attached to old drift ivood :, it is called cop- 
peras, and is used to dye black with, for which purpose it 
it preferred to copperas.* By long exposure to the air, it 
is decomposed, and becomes a white and almost impali;able 
powder. There is so great an abundance in the river, that 
it is frequently hauled on shore in the seineo 

EDUCATION SCHOOLS* 

Not much attention, except of late years, has been paitl 
to education in this district. The sons of the wealthy plan- 
ters were generally sent into other districts to be educated. 

* Thi-3 is, no doubt, the pyrites, or sulphate of irori; called 9.h:0 
copperas. 



636 

The vicinity of an excellent academy at Society hill, seem- 
ed to supersede the necessity of establishing one in the dis- 
trict. Of private schools, there are now upwards of twenty- 
four, established in various parts, which have been much 
aided by the state appropriation of ^600, which educates 
nearly 200 poor children each year. 

The importance of education is beginning to be felt and 
properly appreciated in the district ; and it is hoped that 
proper measures will be adopted to make this useful to the 
citizens. The fund appropriated ans ually by the statCj 
amounting to ^600, added to what the thriving planters 
apd farmers contribute to the education of their children, 
would suffice to establish an institution where youth might 
be taught those branches of knowledge which are of essen- 
tial benefit to them physically, as well as mentally. A 
knowledge of trades^ of husbandry, economy of labor, ha- 
bits of industry, are all important to youth of every classj, 
but more essentially to poor youth, who have nothing but 
the labor of their hands to supply their wants. A school 
established upon such a plan would be of immense benefit 
to the community. The branches taught may be suited to 
the ciicumstances or talents of the pupils. Half the time of 
the scholar would be sufficient to be devoted to receiving 
mental, and half to acquire physical instruction. 

NUMBER OF POOR— EXPENSE OF THEM. 

There are 10 or 12 paupers in the district. The expense 
of them is from 40 to 60 dollars each. 

RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Methodists are the most numerous religious sect in 
the district ; of Baptists and Presbyterians there are few, 

EMINENT MEN. 

Gen. Thomas was a distinguished partisan officer of the 



637 

revolution and waged an exterminating war with the to- 
nes. Capt. Irby rendered important services during the 
revolution. 

NAMES OF PLACES AND THEIR ORIGIN, INDIAN OR OTHER- 

WISE. 

The Pedee is the only Indian name retained in the dis«. 
trict ; all the other streams have English names given 
them. 

AGRICULTURAL AND OTHER SOCIETIES— -LIBRARIES, 
STATE OF LITERATURE. 

Though the subject of agriculture is so important to the 
interests of the district, but little attention is yet paid to it 

The same ruinous system oi cultivation practised in 
other places is prevalent here. One piece of land after 
another is exhausted, and abandoned ; nothing like farm- 
ing ; no husbandry of the natural advantages of the soil : 
forest after forest is felled, and reduced to ashes, without 
regard to the consequences of such waste. Our influential 
citizens should endeavor to introduce a better system ; and 
the work of reformation cannot too soon be begun, if we 
wish to see an increase to the district in population, and a 
disposition in the people to be satisfied with home. 

No public, or subscription library, exists in the district^ 
which is to be regretted, as it would be a great means of en - 
lightening the people, filling up, with advantage, many an 
idle hour now devoted to other objects, far from being bene- 
ficial. If a public library were established at the court- 
house, an opportunity would be given to every citizen to 
procure books ; and thus a taste for literature would be 
disseminated, which, in consequence of the want of such 
mean^, is at a very low ebb here. 



em 



MATERIALS FOR BUILDINtk. 

Very good clay for making brick is found in many pla- 
ces. The bricks used in building the new court-house and 
jail were made very near the village. Stone is not very 
abundant, nor convenient ; nor is lime to be procured but 
at considerable expense, either from the sea-coast, or near 
the mountains. But there is abundance of the finest pine tim- 
ber, cypress, poplar, &c. 

W^HAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

[See Beaufort district.] 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS, 

There is a fine tract of land peninsulated by the Pedee, 
called the Welch neck, from a colony of the Welch, who 
settled here long since. Many of their descendants are now 
wealthy aod respectable men ; their origin is in some cases 
indicated by their names. Williams and Thomas are names 
common in Wales. The reputed lineal descendant of 
Owen Glendoweris Watkins Williams Wynne. There is 
also here a family name, Lide, evidently Welch, but the 
ortnography Anglicised, In Wales the names is written 
Llhuyd. 

There are also the descendants of the Baron de Foetnittz, 
whose history has its portion of interest. He came from 
Poland, as did his countrymen Kosciusko, Puiaski, and 
others, to join the American standard in the cause of free- 
dom ; and ultimately fixed himself on Pedee, where he had 
made a large purchase. Yet only a small portion of his 
property descends to his children ; he was a man of tastq 
5.nd science. 



639 



NEWBERRY. 



aiSTORX OP THE SETTLEMENT ORIGIN OF ITS NAME, 

In the year 1752, (three years previous to Braddock's 
defeat,) Mr. John Duncan, a native of Aberdeen, in Scot- ' 
land, that had formerly emigrated to the province of Penn- 
sylvania, removed to this section of the country, and settled 
on a creek in this district, now bearing his name. 

Mr. Duncan was at this time the highest settler in the fork 
betw<en Broad and Saluda rivers, by ten miles ; his nearest 
neisihbor was Jacob Pennington, living on Enoree river 
below ; he was the only man at this time that had either 
negro, wagon, or still, in this part of the world. 

In a few years a number of emigrants from Pennsylvania 
settled on the creek, above Duncan's ; this was called the 
Duncan creek settlement. The names of some of these first 
adventurers were, M'Crery, Green, Hannah, Abernathy, 
Miller, Beard, King, Mitchell, Wells, Coffee, Gi.shams 
Barton, Young, M'Clure, Adams, M'Daid, &c. . 

There was another settlement made on Enoree, eight or 
ten miles higher up. The names of some of these settlers 
are, Prater, Bright, Barns, Oglesby, Hoskins, and Stephen 
Holstein. This latter is the same man who, during a hunt 
made over the mountains, discovered the river now bearing 
his name, on the north bank of which Knoxville, in East 
Tennessee, stands. When he returned, he and some more 
of his neighbors removed, and settled on it. Soon aftec 
this they ■constructed canoes, went down into Tennessee, 
and were the first white people that ever descended that 
river. They passed through the Muscle shoals, and pro- 
ceeded down as far as Natchez town, several years previous 
to the revolution. 

/ The fork between Broad and Saluda rivers began to be 
''^settled a little prior to the above mentioned periodj moslh- 
by Germans. 



640 

Bush river was chiefly settled by Quakers, the greater 
part of them from Pennsylvania. The names of some of 
these are Babb, Crompton, Kelly, O'Neal, Pearson, Pug;h 
Br-inks, Elftiore, Gant, Pemberton, Summers, Waters^ 
Kirk, &c. 

This was denominated the Quaker settlement. 

Another was located on and near Saluda and Little ri- 
vers. Their names were Turner, Davenport, Maxwell, 
Cuncinsjton, Potts, Spearman, Goodman, Toles, and 
Cal.'well.* 

This was called the Turner settlement, 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT, 

N''wberry is situate within the granite region, and 
bounded on two sides by rivers. On the southwest by the 
Saluda, which divides it from Edgefield ; oit the N. W. by 
an irregular line following the course of the road leading 
from the island ford on Saluda, over to Odell's ford on 
Enoree river, and running N. 31 E. 51 1 miles, which di- 
vides it from Laurens district ; on the N. and E. by the 
Enoree river as low down as Avery's ford, thence by the 
road over to Crenshaw's ford on Tyger river, and down 
the said river to its junction with the Broad river ; all 
which lines divide it from Union district ; on the E. by 
Broad river as low down as Ruff's (formerly Sherie's fer- 
2y,) which divides Newberry from Fairfield district ; and 
on the S. E. by a straight line drawn from Ruff's ferry S. 
171 W. 16 miles 23 chains, or until it intersects the Sa!uda 
river opposite Rocky creek, and a little above Buffalo 
creek, which separates it from Lexington. 

*This was the same family of the Caldwells to wh'»m the preseni 
Vice-President of the United States is allied by birth, and which took 
an active part in the defence of their country during the revolution- 
ary war. 



The average extent of the district is equal to about 24 
iTiiles square, and it contains 368,640 square acres. 

NAIURE OF THE SOIL— ADAPTATION TO PARTICULAK 
PRODUCTS, 

The soil of this district may be divided into four classes ; 
first, clay ; second, sandy ; (which are nearly equal in 
quantity,) third, gravelly ; and fourth, stony ; (the latter 
not so extensive as the former.) There is very little soil 
of a loamy nature. 

The clay, or as they are termed, mulatto lands, are best 
adapted to wheat and tobacco, but unless in wet seasons, 
they will yield more than the gray or sandy lands, of al- 
most any vegetable prouuction. 

The sandy gravel lands are best suited to corn, cotton^, 
oats, rye, and barley, although there is little of the two 
last attempted. Buckwheat was formerly cultivated in this 
district, but is now entirely neglected. 

NATURE AND KIND OF CROPS—AMOUNT PER ACRE. 

At present, corn, cotton, wheat, oats, and a few sweet 
potatoes are nearly all the products from farming, except 
the vine tribe, and the usual garden stuffs. Some little at- 
tention is paid to a rotation of crops in this district, except 
on the cotton lands. 

The amount of crops per acre is, of Indian corn, from 
ten to forty bushels ; wheat from ten to fifteen bushels ; 
(some will yield more,) rye, barley, and oats, give more 
to the acre ; cotton is the productive crop, and therefore 
is the staple article raised. From 150 to 250 lbs. of clean 
cotton are gathered to the acre. 

The prices of these several productions at horn; are fluc- 
tuating ; on average may give as follows : corn fifty cents^ 
wlieat seventy-five cents, oats thirty-seven and a hal^to fifty 
cents, rye and barley fifty to seventy-five cents per bushel ; 
cotton from two to three dollars per hundred in the seed. 



B42 

DISTRICT TOWN, 

Newberry village, from being the seat of justice of the 
district, may properly come under the head of district 
town. It is pleasantly situated about three miles east of 
Bush river. The built part of the viIl3o:;e is on the decli- 
vity of the hill, near a fine spring. To the south the ground 
rises and forms beautiful and healthy sites for residence. 
The village is regularly laid out in squares, but the streets 
are rather too much confined in widtii. Looking forward 
to the increase of Newberryviile, it would be well for ihe 
proprietors of the upper part of it to add to the width of 
the streets, especially those running east and west. 

A handsome court-house has within a few years been 
built here. The village contains iO or 30 dwelling houses, 
besides stores, some of which are both handsorhe and sub- 
stantial, and considerable business is carried on here during 
court times ; the taverns are well kept, and the inhabitants 
friendly and industrious. 

Newberry lies in latitude 34° 16' 37", and longitude 0° 
41' west of Columbia, from which it bears N. 60, W. 3bi 
miles. 

LAKES, CHEEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

The whole southwest line of this district is bordered with 
a navigable river (the Saluda) for boats carrying 50 bales of 
cotton. The Broad river, on the opposite side, is also 
navigable for similar sized boats. The completion of the 
navigation of the first has been just effected, and promises 
immense benefit to the country it waters, Tyger and 
Enoree rivers are next in point of importance ; the first is 
now navigable 7 or 8 miles, to Glen's, formerly Hawkins' 
mill ; here there is a fall of 4 or 5 feet ; above this a number 
of small falls occur ; but none of magnitude, until you 
reach Adams' ford, where there is a long fall, (perhaps a 
mile,) on a gradual descent. The sum of all these falls ba.s 



643 

been estimated about 20 feet ; the width of the river from 70 
to 120 yards. 

The Enoree is presumed to be a better river for naviga- 
tion ; having a gentler current, and fewer obstructions, A 
very small expense (after the removal of two mill-dams) 
would render this river navigable through two thirds of the 
district on this side ; and thus benefit Union as well as New- 
berry. And as there is a sufficient depth of vvater in all 
places, save where the falls occur, and the current generally 
little more than a mile an hour, the navigation might be 
extended higher up, and thus accommodate Laurens, and 
part of Spartanburg districts. The width of the river is 
about the same with Tyger, flowing through a fme farming 
country. 

Bush and Little rivers are two beautiful streams, both 
extending up into Laurens, (the latter even to the court- 
house,) and both navigable for some distance ; 90 feet wide^ 
and capable of improvement considerably higher up. They 
furnish at present admirable mill-seats ; Bush river particu- 
larly, which now has 9 or 10 mills on its banks, ail in this 
district. 

Besides these streams there are innumerable smaller 
water-courses, which divide the lands into every kind of 
tigure ; there are few acres in the district but what have a 
water-course running through them. The principal of these 
minor streams are Duncan's creek, (noteofor being the seat 
of the first se'tlers,) Cannon's, and Indian creeks, Beaver 
dam, Mudlock, Carson's, Sandy run, Buffalo, Camping, 
Heller's, King's, Scott's, Patterson's, Gilder's, PammetOf 
Timothy, Crims, Priesler, Big, Little, Peach hill, and 
numberless others. 

Duncan's creek is about ninety feet wide, and from one 
to six feet deep ; current in common times gentle, 

VALUE OF LAND. 

Lands in this district vary in price, according to silua 

K K 3 



G41 

tioiK I'he average price for good lands would be 5S15, for 
indifferentj ^3 per acre. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES. 

The native trees of Newberry district are the white, 
black, red, Spanish, upland, swamp, and post oaks, and 
another species of swamp oak, called overcup, growing in 
ponds and wet grounds. There are also the ash, black and 
white walnut, birch, elm, linden, black-gum, sweet-gum^ 
poplar-gum, or cucumber-tree, sugar-tree, cherry, maple^ 
service, or May cherry, soiirwood, dogwood, rattlewood, 
box, elder, bore tree, alder, witch hazel, (this bush blooms 
in November,) spicewood, sassafras, (of both kinds, smooth 
leaf, and rough,) hickory, (four kinds, big bud,, pignut, 
scaly bark, and white,) red bud pawpaw, black and red 
haws, some red cedar, and cottonwood. 

Trees not indigenous are, pride of India, Lombardy pop- 
lar, balm of Gileadj &c, ; the time of flowering for the most 
of these trees is in March and ApriL There is now growing 
on Dr. Flannagan's plantation, where he now lives, of his 
own planting, red cedar, juniper, or white cedar, cypress, 
of both kinds, and the real live oak, that grows on the sea- 
coast ; all which thrive well, as if in their native soil. The 
wild fruits are crab apples, chinguepins, pirssimmonsj, 
black hawsj thorn apples, wild plums, sloes, muscadineSj 
wild grapes, &c. The tame fruits are apples, peaches^ 
quinces, Chickasaw plums, cherries, damsons, and a fe^ 
figs ; but these last do not thrive well here. 

EXPENSES or LIVING—PRICE OP LABOR. 

Boarding in this district is moderate, in general from one 
to two dollars a week. The price of labor for farming 
hands is from 10 to 15 dolls, per month ; mechanics^ wa= 
ges from one to three dolls, per day. 

For a number of years after the settlement of the coun 



645 

try the price of labor was from 20 to 25 cents a day. The 
expeiises of living were nothing comparatively. There was 
no such thing as charging a man for board ; such was the 
abundance of game, milk, butter, cheesej &c. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY. 

The climate of this district is temperate generally^ There 
are a few days in summer very hot ; and a few very cold 
days in winter ; but neither last more than a week or so 
at a time. The diseases are mostly fevers of the typhus 
character, pleurisies, rheumatisms, sciatica, goities, cachex- 
ies, dropsies, dysentries, influenza, &c» But though these 
diseases are found here, the district may be considered as 
generally healthy ; and the instances of longevity are by no 
means rare. The following list will prove this : among 
those persons who have deceased within a few years past 
are Garret Hendricks (1823) aged above 117 years, born io 
Maryland ; Jane Hughes, 105, born in the same state ; 
James Hughes, 105, Abrilla Flannagan, 100, both born in 
Maryland ; Mary Scott, 93 years, James M'Clure, 96^ 
and Thomas Ease, 100, all from Ireland ; and Dr, Reu= 
ben Flannagan, 79 years. Those who are now living are 
Susanna Ball, formerly an inhabitant of Newberry, but who 
has removed to East Florida, (the last accounts state her to 
be still living,) 110 years old, and never used spectacles; 
could thread a cambric needle and sew with it ; Daniel Wil= 
liams, 83 years, Thomas Dockett, 78, Bazil Prater, 76,, 
James Duncan, 77, Mary Lindsey, 96^ &c„ 

COMMERCE — MANUFACTURES. 

There are very few of the merchants that exchange their 
goods for produce ; most of the trade is carried on for cash. 
Tne staple articles of the district are carried to the Colum- 
bia market. 
■ None but domestic manufactures thrive here s almost 



B46 

every family manufacture their own clothing. Hatters^ 
shoemakers, saddlers, tanners, wheelwrights, blacksmiths, 
cabinetmakers, tailors, weavers, and dyers, are to be found 
here. The weaving and dying are mostly carried on by 
women, r: 

POPULATION— TAXES. 

The ipopulation of Newberry increases considerably, 
though there has been .n almost continual emigration to 
Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and, in late years, to Ken- 
tacky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and some few to 
Arkansaw. The census of 1820 gives to this district 16,104 
inhabitantSf of which 10,177 are whites, 5,749 are slaves, 
and 17S free blacks. In 1800, the population stood as fol- 
lows ; 9,707 whites, 2,204 slaves, 95 free blacks; total 
12,006 souls. Increase in 20 years 34 percent. 

As emigration has in some degree ceased, the increase 
of population will be hereafter very considerable. 

The taxes for the last year amounted to ^6,446 71. 

CATTLE SHEEP HOGS. 

The proportion of cattle and hogs to the population would 
be as two or three to one ; sheep as one to three. The 
value of cattle is at this time from 10 to IS dolls, of swine 
from 2 to 7 dolls, of sheep I to 2 dolls, per head. 

FISH— GAME BIRDS, MIGRATORY OR OTHERWISE. 

The fish are the sucker, fat-fish, red-horse, trout, pike, 
perch, horny-head, eel, gar, carp, sturgeon, &c. 

The game are a few deer,and wild turkeys, some foxes, 
raccoons, opossums, squirrels, minks, muskrats, and others; 
the latter very scarce. 

The birds that migrate are the martin, swallow, wild 
duck, snow-bird, robin, naocking-bird, thrush, powink, cat- 
rbid, humming bird, woodpecker, snipe, whippoorwili, 



647 

nightingale, chattering plover, king-fisher, and a few of the 
whistling plover ; these are however scarce. The jay, red 
bird, and sparrow used formerly to migrate, but now most 
of these remain here the year through. In the remem- 
brance of the oldest inhabitants of the district, the bald eagle 
was a native of Newberry, and was very destructive to 
pigs and lambs ; but they have now left the district. I 
have seen some killed, says Dr. Flannagan, that would 
measure 8 feet from the point of one wing to that of the 
other. The raven has also left this part of the country. 
The rain crow, or suck-egg, is also a bird of passage. The 
birds that are stationary here are the turkey, partridge, 
dove, crow, hawk, owl, woodcock, black-bird, &c. Wild 
pigeons visit here occasionally, J)ut only when they can get 
no food elsewhere. 

ROADS, BRIDGES, FERRIES, TAVERNS, &t. 

The roads are tolerably good ; bridges and ferries but 
indifferent. Taverns few, and not well provided, except 
those at the court-house. 

NUMBER OF POOR EXPENSE OP THEM — -DISTILLERIES. 

There are few paupers in this district at this time. The 
expense oi supporting them, amounts annually to from 60 
to 100 dollars a year ; they are let to the lowest bidder by 
the commissioners. 

There are few distilleries in Newberry ; the inhabitants 
find that they can buy whiskey cheaper out of the wagons 
from North Carolina than they can distil it. 

NUMBER or BLIND — DEAF AND DUMB — AND LUNATICS, 

Only one or two blind persons are known to be in this 
district, two deaf and dumb, (one a man, the other a wo- 
man j neither of them married, and both make out to live 
comfortably,) and two lunatics. 



648 

EDUCAllON. 

An academy is established at the village, a»d a number 
of private schools distributed in various parts of the district, 
according to the settlements. The children of the poor 
are educated at the expense of the state, and are placed in 
the private schools. The commissioners report the last 
year 44 schools supported, 453 children educated ; expend- 
iture 1452 dollars. 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The religious societies in this district are divided into 
six sects. The most numerous are the Methodists, next 
the Presbyterians, then the Baptists ; the other three are 
composed of Covenanters, Universalists, and Quakers. 
This last was a very respectable religious body, but some 
years ago they mostly removed to the states of Ohio and 
Indiana ; but a few still remain. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Major John Caldwell was one of the first settlers, and 
was a man of great public usefulness. He was a deputy 
surveyor, and member of the first provincial congress which 
assembled at Charleston. He vvas subsequently a major in 
the regiments of South Carolina, and was basely murdered 
at his own house, by that tory partisan officer, William 
Cunningham, of the British army. He left no issue. His 
brothers, William and James Caldwell, inherited his es" 
tate ; and it is from them that the present families of 
that name are descended. The first, William Caldwell^ 
was an officer of the American army, and underwent a 
long imprisonment in the castle of St. Augustine, during 
the revolutionary war. The second, James Caldwell, was 
an active and devoted friend to his country during the same 
periods He was in the battle of the Cowpens, and receiv- 



649 



ed several severe wounds. He was the sheriif of Newber- 
ry from 1808 to 1812. 

Colonel Philemon Waters emigrated from Virginia^ and 
was one of that chosen band who served under the immor= 
tal Washington, in his first campaign against the French 
and Indians^ and who surrendered with him at the Mea° 
dows. He was subsequently in Braddock's war. During 
the whole revolution, he was actively engaged in the Ame- 
rican service. He was in the battles of Stono and Eutaw; 
in the latter of which he ranked as major. He was a very 
successful partisan officer, and often remarked that he 
never was in any pitched battle but what he had to retreat,, 
and never in a skirmish or partisan affair, in which he was 
not victorious. He was subsequently a colonel of militiay 
and died in 1799 or 1800. 

James Marion was also one of those worthy patriots. 
He served in Grant^s war with the Cherokee Indiansj in 
1760-61 ; and afterwards as one of the judges of the coun- 
ty courts, together with Jacob R.Brownj, and General Levy 
Casey. 

NAMES OF PLACES, AND THEIR ORIGIN— INDIAN OR OTHER= 

WISE. 

The Indian names have mostly given way to others more 
familiar to us. Rivers and mountains are the only objects 
that have been able to withstand the shock of prejudice and 
time. Deep-rooted prejudice, the enemy of all good, had 
the chief share in this work of obliteration. The simple 
aborigines of the country were regarded as enemies both to 
God and man ; and instead of cherishing and enlightening 
their minds, the first settlers of the country were anxious 
to get rid of them, by inducing their removal beyond the 
mountains; endeavoring to lose all traces of their existence. 
There are still four rivers in and bordering upon Newberry 
districtj, the Indian names of which can be ascertained. The 
first is Broad river, which was called by the Indians Es- 



650 

waw-pud-de-neh (or Line river, dividing the tribes) ; se- 
cond, Saluda, which is a corruption of Salutah (or Core 
river); third, Tiger river, which by the natives was called 
A-moy-es-check ;* fourth, Enoree, which has retained its 
original title, though an attempt was made to alter it to that 
of Collins' river, from the circumstance of a hunter by that 
name settling on it, at a place called the Big Canebreakj 
now owned by the Calmers family in this district. 

ROCKS, GRANITE, FREESTONE, kc— MINERALS, &c. 

This district contains considerable quantities of granite 
rock, a species of free-stone, and detached pieces of soap- 
stone ; also some scattered beds of iron ore have been found, 
besides a variety of silicious stones, vitreous and mineral 
substances. Some of the people seem to be under the im- 
pression that there is lime-stone to be found here, as three 
wells of water have been discovered^ strongly impregnated 
with calcareous matter. Two of these are within a few 
miles of the village, the strongest on the south side of Bush 
river, on John Marput's land ; the other on the north side 
of Lynch's lands. 

The rocks in the falls of the rivers are composed of gra- 
nite. A curious appearance is observable in a mass of it in 
Enoree river, at Dr. Flannagan's mill, which seems to con- 
vey the idea that the granite was once in a soft state ; for 
there were discovered, in three different places on the rock, 
three prints of a human foot, with a moccasin on ; all three 
were the left foot, and going from the south to the north. 
One of the tracks was broken up by Dr. Flannagan, in build- 
ing his mill ; another was covered by a piece of a dam ; the 
third is still to be seen, when the river is low, and is called 

* The origin of the name Tiger arose from a hunter's finding (on 
tbe banks of this stream) where a bear and tiger had had a battle, 
the result of which was, that the bear got killed, and the ti^er, though 
rictorious, wae not able to leave the ground. ^ 



651 

the Devil's moccasin, from the peculiarity of its fitting ev- 
ery person's foot that is applied to it. These phenomena 
are doubtless the result of the action of the waters from 
time immemorial, under peculiar circumstances. On the 
Table rock mountain, similar appearances, resembling hor- 
ses' feet, are found on the rock, evidently the effect of the 
same causes. 

There are two shoals in Bush river, a few miles apart, 
where a mineral substance, very ponderous, and as yellow 
as the best gold, is found, which, when in fusion, emits a 
smell similar to that of garlic or arsenic. This is, no doubt, 
either ihe arsenate of sulphur, or sulphate of iron.* Small 
pieces of other mineral substances, having the appearance 
of antimony, have been found; others looking like com- 
pact iron ore, or load stone, but when pulverized would 
not attract the needle. One or two pieces of plumbago, or 
black lead, have been picked up, snd a piece of stone coal ; 
but whether they had been brought here by the Indians 
originally, or not, is undetermined There are two mine- 
ral springs in Newberry : one about a mile below Flanna- 

• Some silver ornaments, in black marble, which had been wrought 
by the Indians, were found here. Where they got this marble from I 
cannot tell, (says Dr. Flannagan,) except from beyond the mountains, 
as I have seen a large quantity of the blacli and white marble on Ten- 
nessee river, above Colbert's ferry. Before Nev/berry was settled 
by the white people, the Indians might probably have brought pieces 
of marble from thence, and the silver also, as there is a very rich 
mine of it in the Cherokee nation, near to a town called Shainrach, 
which the Indians never would discover to any white man, unless 
they have done so lately to some of those whites that have married 
among them. I was upon the point of making this discovery by means 
of an Indian, in the year 1815. as we were near the place, if it had 
not been for a mixed blooded man by the name of Johnson, who was 
a leading character among them By some means he found that this 
Indian was about to discover the mine tome, and soon put a stop tc? 
it, fori never Could get another word out of him concerning' it, 

L L -8 



652 

gan's mill, on Robert Lavender's land ; Ihe other six or 
seven miles above the same mill, north side of Duncan's 
creek, on a branch called the Lick run, on David Hill's 
land. Both of these appear to be strongly impregnated with 
salts and vitriol of iron, and sulphur. Although there has 
been but little use made of them, they will act as acatharticj 
and sometimes will vomit ; they will cure cutaneous erup- 
tions and sore eyes ; some few trials have been made in 
chills and colds with success. 

CUSTOMS—AMUSEMENTS. 

It is a prevalent custom among the people of this district^ 
to meet at some store or place where liquor is sold, and 
spend their time at whist, or pitch dollars. Some will put 
up a beef to be shot for, or any other piece of property. 
Foxhunting, driving for deer, throwmg long-bullets, and 
ninepins, makeup also some of their amusements. 

It may be a matter of curiosity, and give some little idea 
of olden times, to take a review of the customs and amuse= 
mentsthat prevailed among the first settlers of this country. 

Wrestling, jumping, running foot races, fiddling, danc- 
ing, shooting, playing blind man's buff, snuffle the brogue, 
rimming the thimble, selling of pawns, crib and tailor, 
grinding the bottle, brother 1 am bob'd, black bear, drop- 
ping the glove, swimming and diving, &c. made up their 
chief amusements. Their dress was as follows ; hunting 
shirt, leggins, and moccasins, with buckels and beads on 
them. The men clubbed their hair, and tied it up in a lit- 
tle deerskin or silk bag. At another time they wore 
their hair cued and rolled up in a black riband, or bear's gut 
dressed and dyed black. Again the men shaved off their 
hair, and wore white linen caps, with ruffles around them. 
The women's dress was long eared caps, Virginia bonnets, 
short or bed-gowns, long gowns, stays, stomachers, quilt- 
ed petticoats, high wooden-heeled shoes, &c. * 

James Duncan, the son of tiie first settler, is the gentleman who 



boo 

GENERAL S'l'ATE OF THE ARTS—LITEUATURE— SOCIEIIES, 

The fine arts are very little cultivated yet amongst us ; 
and our literature only academical. The free school sys- 
tern wants revision, as, in its present state, it is productive 
of little good. There are no agricultural societies yet esta- 
blished, nor reading societies. There is bne library socie- 
ty incorporated, by the name of the Mount Bethel United 
Fraternity. There was one formerly at the court-house^ 
but it was so little attended to, that it was dissolved. The 
legislature, however, has renewed its charter lately. 

WASTE LANDS— SWAMPS, &c. 

There is but little of this description of land in this dis- 
trict. Some wetlands about Bush river, are unproductive 
in their present state, which, if drained, would no doubt be 
valuable, especially for corn. 

The lands are too much neglected ; no system of ma- 
nuring them when they begin to fail is pursued. The prac- 
tice has been to turn them out ; the consequence of which 
is, that they are washed into gullies and destroyed. More 
woodland must then be cleared, and thus the timber is 
wasted, of which the district already begins to experience 
the want. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

The practice with many of the citizens living on water 
courses is, when clearing their grounds adjoining them, to 
fell all the timber they can into the stream, to save the trou- 

communicated many of the interesting particulars connected with the 
first settlement of this district. He was young when he came to the 
province, was through the whole of Col. Grant's war with the In- 
dians, the war with Ihem in 1776 and 1777, and in the revolution- 
ary war. In the early settlement of the country he followed hunt- 
ing for seven years, his grounds embraced the whole coontry be- 
tween the Catawba and Saluda rivers, up to and among the raoun» 
Tains. This venerable and interesting- character is still living*. 



654 

ble of cutting it up, as they calculate that the next great 
flood will carry it away. This is very injurious to the 
country. Laying aside the evil of such a practice to the 
navigation of the rivers, a concern for the health of the 
country should induce such to desist from it. 

Keeping the under brush down in the woods is a good 
practice ; and a prudent use of fire for this purpose is com- 
mendable. 

REMARKABLE GOOD OR BAD SEASONS. 

But little attention has been paid to noting these particu- 
lars. The year 1754 was remarkably dry ; many of the 
creeks were dried up, so that they did not run at all. The 
year 1772 was also a very dry season Fn the year 1774, in 
May, on the Sd, 4th, and 5th days were severe frosts, that 
killed great quantities of the timber, which never put out 
leaves any more ; and destroyed the hemp and flax. The 
corn was also cut down, but put out again, after cuttting off 
the frost-bitten tops ; and produced very good crops. The 
small grains were cut down also, and almost destroyed. It 
was very diflicult to obtain seed again ; but ihe season was 
in general good after the frost. It is worthy of reir.ark, 
that in a few days after the frost, the woods were very 
offensive from the decay of the vegetable matter that had 
been killed ; the leaves on the trees looked as if they had 
been scorched by fire, except on the tops of the Sp^mish oak 
ridges; where there were some leaves not killed In the 
month of May of the preceding }ear, thfie was a very- 
great freshet in the rivers and creeks, exceeding any thing 
of the kind since the first settlement of the country ; and 
which extended northward as far as Virginia. 

In August, 1795, there occurred another freshet, nearly 
equal to the one in '73, which did great damage on the 
rivers and creeks. In the winter of IStS, the country ex- 
perienced a similar freshet. In iS21, the 24th and 25th 
December, another great flood of waters took place, which 



655 

rose several inches higher than any seen by the oldest in- 
habitants.* The year 18 1 9 was one of the best crop years 
that probably was ever known in the upper parts of this 
state. The year 1823 was in general an extraordinary good 
crop year, some few places excepted. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS, 

For the first ten or fitteen years after the first settlement 
of this district there was little or no market for produce, 
except to the new settlers. The trade was carried on in 
skins and furs. The whole of the provisions raised were 
consumed at home. Provisions were nominally at the fol- 
lowing prices : Pork SI 75 per hundred; beef, one penny 
per pound. Stock rated as follows: Cows and calves, if good, 
sold at g6 ; a good steer about $6 ; a large bull at S3 ; the 
general price of horses was 15 or §20 ; sheep could not be 
raised on account of the wolves They would come at noon- 
day in the sight of the houses and kill sheep, hogs, and even 
grown cows, out of the range ; nor did mares and colts 
escape them ; wild cats and foxes were very troublesome to 
pigs, geese, and poultry. 

At this period there was very little money in circulation. 
People could scarcely pay their quitrents, which were 
almost nothing, and paid only in three or four years ; but 
deer and beaver skins were a tender in law in payment of 
debts, and there were stated prices that they should pass at. 
Summer skins rated at one shilling and eleven pence ster- 
ling per pound ; winter skins about thirteen pence ; Indian 
dressed skins, (that is the most of the hair grained off, but 
the whole skin of the head, with the ears on, and the claws,) 
one dollar per pound. If a person who sued for a debt 
refused to take skins in payment, at these prices, he lost his 

AThis increase in the rise of the waters was no doubt owing to the 
increased obstructions which were thrown into the water-courses by 
the imprudence, previously noticed, of some in felling' the timber into 
them. 



655 

debt ; but if a skin did not weigh one pound it would not 
pass, but was like counterfeit money, for it would not pay 
debts. Things continued nearly in this situation until 
some time after the regulation, which ended about the year 
1769 or '70. 

The face of the country from Newberry upwards, in its 
vegetable growth, and timber of different kinds, is pretty 
uniformly the same, until you reach the mountains. Here 
are found many trees, shrubs, &c. not uncommon to the 
middle states. Some of these are the large buckeye, that 
bears a nut enclosed in a rusty colored husk, with prickles 
on it, like the burs on the Jamestown weed ; spruce pine, 
the tree from which the balsam is obtained ; white pine, 
yew tree, and mountain birch ; (this tree must possess 
some medical properties ; the bark has a smell resembling 
camphor in some degree, and the taste is like Seneca snake 
root ;) a kind of sweet bay, or cinnamon tree ; (the In- 
dians used to put it in their bear oil ; whether merely for 
the flavour, or to preserve it sweet, is not known;) moun- 
tain laurel, and laurel magnolia, possum haws, and fox 
grapes, service tree, or May cherry, &c. Plants worth no- 
ticing, are gensing, gentiana, mountain spikenard, colt's-foot 
leaf, or wild ginger, wild sweet annies, Seneca snake root, 
ferm snake root, button snake root ; the sensitive briar is 
also plentiful. It is a curious plant ; when breathed on, or 
touched, it shrinks, and draws up as if it were going to die. 



ORANGEBURG. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

The first white inhabitant who settled in this section 
of country, was named Henry Sterling; his occupation, 
It is supposed, was that of a trader. He located himself'on 



Lyon's creek, ia the year 1704 ; and obtained a grant for a 
tract of land, at present in the possession of Col. Russel P. 
M'Cord. 

It was not until 1735, that any considerable accession of 
whites took place. At this period, a considerable colony 
of Germans arrived, and settled in several parts of the dis- 
trict. From the third year of their settlementj they had 
the benefit of religious instruction, from the Rev. John Gis= 
sendanner. One of his children, born in 1742, is still alive. 
The first child that he christened, born in 1739, is also alive. 
This reverend gentleman continued to officiate among these 
emigrants for twenty-two years after their settlement in 
Orangeburg ; and his register is exact. Three or four in- 
dividuals had previously settled at the Cowpens, north- 
westerly of the low country white settlements. These, and 
the Cherokee and Catawba Indians, were all the inhabitants 
who had preceded the Germans, In 1769, another colony 
of Germans settled here, which, with one of Irish, much 
increased the population. The district originally embraced 
all the country from Savannah river to Santee; and from 
Charleston and Beaufort districts to Edgefield, including 
the Dutch fork ; at present it contains but two parishes, St. 
Matthews and Orange. 

Orangeburg derived its name from the Prince of Orange, 
the first colony of settlers being his subjects. A number of 
their descendants now inhabit the district, and are noted 
for their industry and good management. 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT- 

Orangeburg lies within the alluvial region entirely ; the 
upper edge just dipping into the primitive or granite region. 
Its fiffure is very irregular, having a kind of peninsula, or 
long narrow strip, running between two rivers, upwards of 
twenty-six miles from the main body of the district. 
From the nearest computation made, it contains 1,044,480 



668 

acres. It is bounded on the east by the Congaree and San- 
tee rivers, which divide it from Richland and Sumter dis- 
tricts ; on the southeast by Charleston and Barnwell dis- 
tricts, from which it is divided by a line drawn from Nel- 
son's (now Davis') ferry, on Santee, S. 52, W. 30 miles, 
67 chains, or until it intersects Edisto river, at the mouth 
of a creek 2i miles below Walker's bridge. On the S. W, 
by south Edisto river, which divides it from Barnwell dis- 
trict. On the N. W. by Edgefield, from which it is sepa- 
rated by a line drawn from a point on south Edisto, about 
a mile above the fork of Bridge creek, N. 17, E. Hi mileSy 
or until it intersects the head spring of north Edisto river, 
about half a mile above Forelaw's mill-dam. On the N.E. 
and N. by Lexington district, from which it is divided by 
the north Edisto river, down to the mouth of Big pond 
branch ; thence by a line drawn N. 61, E. 21 miles, 72 
chains, or until it itersects Big Beaver creek, and following 
this creek down to its junction with the Congaree river. 
From S. E. to N. W. it extends 75 miles, though a part 
of this length is scarcely 12 miles wide ; and in its greatest 
breadth, from S. W. to N. E., it will measure 40 miles. 

^'ATURE OF THE SOIL ADAPTATION TO PARTICULAR PRO- 
DUCTS STATE OF AGRICULTURE. 

This district embraces a variety of soils, some of which 
are very productive. The largest proportion of these con- 
sists of pine lands, which are generally of a light, sandy 
nature, thin soil, but bottomed on clay. The lands of best 
quality, are the high pine lands, contiguous to Edisto river, 
and which extend for twenty miles below the court-house. 
On such as the last, are found in abundance, the magnolia, 
beech, willow, ash, elm, oak, birch, walnut, and hickory 
trees. In the swamps there are large groups of cypress, 
loblolly, bay, sweet bay, maple, tupelo, and poplar trees of 
%n immense height and circumference. From tJbe margins 



659 

of the swamps the lands are gradually elevated; and the 
more distant, the less valuable. The best pine lands yields 
with good husbandry, considerable crops of corn, cottoOj 
wheat, and the smaller grains ; the swampy parts yield rice. 
The pine barren lands are so called, from the sandy nature 
of the soil. In their natural state, their timber alone gives 
them value ; but by manuring, they may be made to yield 
from eight to twelve bushels of corn to the acre. On this 
land the industrious Germans made a decent living. 

The swamps bordering on Edisto are liable to inunda- 
tion, and are, therefore, not generally cultivated, nor per= 
haps will be for many years. Owing to their being so nar= 
row, they would require expensive embankments, which 
would probably not be repaid in the value of the land thus 
reclaimed. These swamp lands do not partake of the ad- 
vantages of those attached to the Gongaree and Santee ; as 
the Edisto river passes through a sandy region, and does 
not, therefore, make t!ie same rich deposits as the former. 

That section of the district bordering on the Congareeand 
Santee rivers, presents very different features and soil from 
that lying contiguous to the Edisto. In one place it dis" 
plays the appearance of the primitive region ; the streams 
being transparent, and free from swamp ; the country brok- 
en into considerable hills ; the soil a stiff, red clay ; the 
timber mostly oak and hickory; and the banks blufliug high 
on the river, or having a very narrow margin of alluvion. 
This section of country begins just below Big Beaver creek, 
and continues many miles down, narrowing as it proceeds, 
but in no place extending further than the Four Hole 
swamp. It is, upon the whole, an interesting region of 
country. The state road just touches on the western edge 
of it. The German settlers are mostly located here, and 
their plantations exhibit moje the appearance of larms than 
otherwise. 

The lands of Orangeburg district are well adapted to the 

M M S " ■ * 



660 

culture of Indian corn, wheat, rye, oats, cotton, indigo, 
tobacco, &c. At present, cotton engrosses most attention ; 
but some persons continue to plant indigo, although given 
up in other parts of the state. The average quantity of 
tliis valuable plant obtained from an acre, depends greatly 
on the season and land. Dr. Jamieson has made 56 pounds 
of prime indigo to the acre ; which sold in Charleston for 
a dollar a pound. The land on which it was made would 
not sell for more than 50 cents the acre, had it been sepa- 
rate from the other part of the same tract. Common pine 
land will produce 40 pounds of indigo to the acre, and is 
more suitable for that article than for cotton. Such lands, 
when naturally good, have produced of cotton, from 500 
to 1000 pounds in the seed per acre ; ordinary land well 
manured, will turn out nearly as much. 

Where lands can be watered for rice, they will produce 
from 50 to 60 bushels per acre. This, in its rough state^ 
often sells in the vicinity, from ^1 to ^1 25 cents per 



Agriculture has much improved in this district within 
the last 10 years. The system of manuring, ditching, 
and draining, is generally adopted ; and with great suc- 
cess. Indigo, which once was almost the only staple of 
the district, begins again to be raised extensively. Lime 
for its manufacture is obtained very conveniently. Rice 
is grown ^on the high lands for domestic use ; and yields 
very welL The planters now improve their lands by ma- 
nuring the corn hills either with cotton seed or swamp 
mud, thrown up in pens in the fall season, to remain during 
the winter. By mixing with it cotton seed, stable manure, 
or decayed vegetables, its fertilizing qualities are great- 
ly increased. Well manured land has produced 34 
bushels of wheat to the acre ; and of rye, or oats, much 
more. The average product is from 8 to 12 bushels. 

Pine lands when judiciously managed, in a few years 
•become equally productive, if not more so^ than the gene- 



661 



raiity of oak lands. They who plant oakj and swamp 
lands, depend so much on the present strength of the soil^ 
that they continue to crowd crop upon crop, till its fer- 
tility is exhausted ; whilst those who occupy the pine land^ 
from a knowledge of its poverty, are induced to supply by 
art and industry, what is natural to the other. The Ger- 
mans obtain crops from poor pine lands, equal in quantity,, 
according to acres and hands, with most farmers on oak 
lands. The average crops of Indian corn from lands of 
this quality are from 10 to 25 bushels to the acre.* 

Some of the best lands in the district are yet to be 
brought into cultivation. The largest body of these lying 
inland, is found in the Four Hole swamp. The soil here 
is deep and rich, and may easily be reclaimed, simply by 
ditching. The river swamps, in some places, are brought 
into cultivation ; but, being exposed to freshets, are subject 
thereby to great injury. Those still uncleared are im- 
mensely fertile, and will repay tenfold the expense of re- 
claimin"; them. 



* A method commonly employed by weak handed planters, in set- 
tling a place, is, to select various eligible levels on a tract of pine 
land. These are converted into fields by girthing the large trees ; 
(that is, a ring, by cutting through the bark ;) by the next spring 
they all die, and cease to dravi^ from the surrounding earth any of its 
nourishing properties. The smaller trees are then cleared away and 
burnt ; the ground, broken ^up with grubbing hoes and the plough, 
without any other preparation, is sown with wheat or rye , nature 
finishes the great work of these planters, for every hard wind brings 
down more or less of the deadened trees, and fire consumes the 
whole. Thus, in a series of years, a large plantation is obtained 
with very little labor. Although this is deemed one of the laziest 
methods of obtaining cleared lands, yet it is not without its use. In 
time it occasions a change of the timber. If the land is suffered to 
r^ain a few years without cultivation, there springs up a growth of 
oak and hickory in place of the pines ; a very acceptable acquisition 
to the pine land farmer. 



662 



BISTRICT TOWN — ■VILLAGES. 

The village of Orangeburg is the seat of justice in the dis- 
trict, and was first settled in 1735 by a colony of Germans, 
subjects to the prince of Orange ; in honor of whom it 
was named. Its present population is 75 whites, and 77 
blacks ; total 152. There are 5 merchatits, 3 lawyers, 2 ~ 
physicians, 2 coachmakers, 1 tailor, 1 blacksmith, and 1 
tavern here. The Edisto river runs within half a mile of 
the west of the village, over which a toll bridge has been 
erected by Sanders Glover,Esq. Boats navigate this ri%^er 
some miles above the bridge. 

The village is laid out into regular squares, and tolerably 
central to the district. It lies in latitude 33° 27', longitude 
east of Columbia 0° 11' ; and distant from the same in a 
straight line 36 miles ; course N. 19i W It is not favora- 
bly situated for health. Lying immediately at the bend of 
the river, and looking directly down the valley of the same, 
(which runs south,) it is subject to the fogs and deleterious 
vapours rising from its swamps ; and which are blown 
toward it by the south winds that prevail during the sum- 
mer. The only means left to rectify this evil in any con- 
siderable degree is to reclaim and drain the swamps belo^v, 
on this river. 

Orangeburg has never been incorporated, and therefore 
has no other police than patrols from the beat companies. 

A new court-house and jail, upon a large and handsome 
plan, are about to be erected on the public square. The 
old jail, now standing, was built in 1770, and is the same 
building which General Sumter besieged and took, during 
the revolutionary war. The British had a garrison there 
consisting of 70 militia and 12 regulars. This village was 
for some time the seat of war. After Lord Rawdon had 
retreated from Camden, he took up his quarters here, 
whither he was pursued by Gen. Green, who offered him. 
battle; but his lordship, secure in his strong hold, would 



665 

not venture oat ; and Gen. Green was too weak to attack 
him in his wbrksj with any prospect of success. 

Two other settlements, or villages, are located in this 
district. The first, called Poplar spring, is only 4| miles 
west of the court-house, and is a healthy summer residence. 
An academy has been established here, which is liberally 
supported, and promises great usefulness. The building is 
commodious and well adapted for the purpose. The second 
lillage is called Totness, situate on the north side of High 
hill creek, about 3 miles from the Congaree river. It is a 
pleasant retreat in summer, and much frequented. It is 
considerably elevated above the river ; perhaps 300 feet or 
more. 

VALUE OF LAND—QUANTITY PER ACRE. 

Land varies in value from 25 cents to 20 dollars per acre. 
Great part of it abounds with good miil-seats. Several saw= 
mills have been, and many more might be erected ; al! 
which would find profitable employment, provided a 
canal were cut between Edisto and Ashley rivers. This 
would double the value of the lands in the vicinity. There 
are several grist mills, which manufacture wheat flour of an 
excellent quality. The river swamp lands, when secured 
from freshets by embankments, are extremely valuable, and 
worth at least i^SO an acre. 

The average product per acre of these river swamp lands 
is from 50 to 75 bushels. The other lands in the district 
will yield of the staple products, from 75 to 250 pounds of 
clean cotton ; and from 20 to 60 pounds of indigo per acre ; 
of corn, from 15 to 30 bushels ; of wheat, from 10 to 20 
bushels ; and of rice, from 40 to 60 bushels. 

CLLMATE— DISEASES— INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY. 

/ The sandhill section of this district presents as fine and 
healthy a climate as any country can boast of. Diseases 
are rare here ; and if they occur, they are of a mild charac- 



t>64 

ter, and not difficult of management. Along the margins 
of the creeks and rivers, and within the influence of swamps, 
bays, and stagnant ponds, fevers and agues, bilious remit- 
tents, typhus, and other inflammatory diseases prevail. 

As a proof of the favorable character of this country fqr 
health, the following instances of longevity are stated. 
Mary Miller, a resident near Orangeburg village, upwards 
of SO years, attained the age of 112; Frederick Hoover, 
near the same place, 104 ; Mary Keller, a resident for 57 
} ears near the court-house, 90 ; David Clayton, 115 j Jacob 
Zugler, 80 ; Frederick Stevender, 86, now living ; also, 
Mary Pawling, 77 ; John Rast, 85 ; William West, 81 ; 
Jacob Zachel, 78, and his wife the same ; Philip Hulber- 
man, SO ; Francis Ulm, 85. 

POPUL.ATION, INCREASING OR DECREASING— TAXES, MANU- 
FACTURES. 

The population is now on the increase, though consider- 
able emigrations have taken place. In 1800 the census of 
this district gave of whites 5,957, slaves 4,110, free blacks 
88 ; total 10,155. In 1820 there were 15,653, of which 
0,760 were whites, 8,S29 slaves, and 64 free blacks. 

The taxes paid by this district into the treasury of the 
state, annually, amount to near 7,400 dollars. 

Many of the inhabitants manufacture their own clothing, 
and this of an excellent quality ; composed of wool and 
cotton for winter, and cotton alone for summer ; but none 
are manufactured for market. There are planters who own 
sixty or seventy slaves and clothe them all from their ov^rn 
resources. They are making great improvements every 
year, both in spinning and weaving. \. 

LAKES CREEKS STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE- 
OBSTRUCTIONS. 

The navigable waters of this district are both extensive 
and upon the whole favorable. The Santee and Congaree 



665 

are navigated by steam-boats carrying from 800 to 1000 
bales of cotton. The two Edistos, for part of the district, 
may be also navigated by this description of boats ; and 
for smaller boats much farther, even (on the South Branch) 
six or eight miles into Edgefield district. 

In the Santee there are two small falls, the one about 
five miles, the other about seven miles, below the junctior* 
of the Congaree and Wateree rivers. The misfortune 
associated with our alluvial rivers is, that they are subject 
to perpetual changes, arising from the irregular velocity of 
the waters, consequent upon the floods that occasionally 
come down. It is impossible to calculate upon any perma- 
nency in their navigable powers, as bars may be formed by 
one freshet, which would destroy the na^ngation for the 
larger boats. The immense and increasing trade descend- 
ing this river, requires that some means be adopted to se- 
cure the regular passage of the boats to the seaboard, and 
this cannot be effected but by an artificial navigation. 

In navigable capacities the Cawcaw (a considerable 
branch of the North Edisto) comes next : this stream has 
been navigable twelve miles above its mouth for rafts of 
lumber. Bull swamp might be made navigable for eight 
or ten miles, the obstructions being only trees, &c. The 
Four Hole and Dean swamps are also waters of South Edis- 
to.* The smaller streams are Webb's creek, the Two 

* The Four Hole swamp takes its name from a very curious 
circumstance. — Here are four great holes or pits, which succes- 
sively ingulf and discharge the waters of the swamp ; from those 
that discharge the water, it boils over like a mighty well, but into 
the others it plunges with a considerable noise. 1 he pits are 
about half a mile apart, and six miles from Havley's bridge. Du- 
ring a dry summer, these pits are several feet below the surface — • 
fish are taken in them at the depth of twenty or thirty feet, by 
/the line and hook. The water is here transparent. I did not learn of 
what species the matter was through which this stream sinks and 
rises, but it is probably the same as that at Eutaw springB, 



666 

Poplars, Halfway swamp, Lyon's creek, Stowdemere'sj 
Maverick's, Buckhead, High hill. Limestone, Big and 
Little Beaver, Cowcastle, &c. besides numerous swamp 
streams, such as McTyer's, Rocky spring, Cedar, (which 
has a curious lake at the head of it,) Buckaboo, Dean, 
Goodland, Rockry, Willow, Robert's, Snake, Eoopeer, 
Giddy swamp, and numerous others. 

The velocity of Congaree and Santee rivers, averages 
about two and a half miles an hour ; of Edisto probably a 
little more. 

TIMBER TREES"— FRUIT TREES, &C. 

A great variety of timber trees is found in this dis- 
trict. Besides the long leaf pine, there are abundance of 
the various kinds of oak, beech, willow, hickory, ash, 
birch, walnut, cypress, loblolly, bay, sweet bay, maple, tu- 
pelo, and poplars of immense size. 

FISH— GAME— BIRDS, MIGRATORY AND OTHERWISE. 

The waters of this district abound with fish, and the 
forests with game. There are, of fish, the shad and stur- 
geon in season, the trout, bream, rock -fish, pike, mud-fish, 
cat-fish, gar-fish, and a variety of perch, &c. Of game, there 
are the deer, wild pigeon, duck, snipe, woodcock, par- 
tridge, besides the dove, lark, woodpeckers of various 
kinds, jay, blue-bird, mocking-bird, thrush, sparrow, 
crow, and a variety of hawks ; also the bald eagle. 

EXPENSES OF LIVING PRICE OF LABOR. 

In such an abundant country as this, the expenses of liv- 
ing are very small ; common boarding, in a country family, 
would scarcely exceed sixty or eighty dollars a year. 

The price of laboring hands is from eighty to one hun- 
dollars and found. 



667 

OOMMERCE— CATTLE—SHEEF, &t^. 

A vast quantity of solid timber and lumber are sent an- 
nually to Charleston and the adjacent islands. There are 
immense tracts of fine timber land on the banks of the 
Edisto, and many valuable mill seats, which send from 4 to 
500,000 feet of sawed plank to Charleston every year ; be- 
sides a great quantity of ranging timber of the best kind- 
The pine of Edisto is famous for its excellent quality. 

The district abounds with stock. Sheep live and thrive 
on the barren lands,, and are more productive than any other 
kind of stock, in proportion to their value and the little 
care they require. 

The black cattle are numerous and fine. They are usu- 
ally sent to the Charleston market. It is estimated that 
there are 25,000 head of cattle, 10,000 sheep, and 50,000 
swine in the district. 

^'UMEER OP POOR EXPENSE OF THEM DEAF AND DUMB? 

AND LUNATIC PERSONS. 

The number of paupers in this district is only 5, and 
the expense of supporting them from 50 to ^60 each per 
annum. There is only one blind, one deaf and dumb ; 
and no lunatic in St, Matthew's Parish. 

EDUCATION— PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND FREE SCHOOLS- 
LIBRARIES. 

An increasing attention has been paid, for some years 
back, to the education of youth in this district. The citi- 
zens begin to be sensible of the importance of the subject^ 
and are affording their children a liberal education. An 
academy is founded at the Poplar springs ; several private 
schools are established in various parts ; and some have 
private tutors in their families. Added to this, the poor 
bave the means of instruction provided for then], by the 

N .N 3 



668 

liberality of tiie state. Within one year near 300 poor 
children received the benefits of education ; the expense of 
which amounted to about 1200 dollars. There are two small 
subscription libraries, one at the Poplar springj and the other 
in St. Matthews parish. 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF REUGIOUS SECTS, &£. 

There are four religious sects in the district ; the Metho- 
dists, Baptists, Lutherans, and a small congregation of 
Episcopalians. The first are the most numerous, this so- 
ciety, counting now 1200 communicants (750 whites, 450 
blacks and people of color). There are 141 communicants 
in the Baptist church. Since the Methodists have be- 
come numerous, there is less of that indolence, and dis- 
tress, which were common before. Meeting-houses are es» 
tablished at almost every five or ten miles, according to 
the population ; and these are well supplied with itinerant 
preachers. The success attending this plan has been 
great. 

There was a Presbyterian meeting-house erected on 
Cattle's creek in 1778, and called the Frederician church, 
after Andrew Frederick, who was its principal founder. 
Another of the same denomination was built at Turkey 
hill. There are two others of the same denomination in 
St. Matthews, and one Episcopal church. 

There are four Baptist, and about fourteen Methodist 
churches. The latter are attended regularly by the circuit 
riders, and often by their local preachers. Both Metho- 
dists and Baptists increase. 

The Presbyterians have supplies only from the upper 
country, and the North Carolina presbytery. From the 
want of preachers of their own denomination, descendants 
of the old stock are falling in, either with the Baptists or 
Methodists, according to the neighborhood in which they 
Jive. 

The population, wealth, industry, harmony, and religion 



669 

of the district liave astonishingly improved since the year 

1790. 



EMINENT MEN, 

William Thompson, colonel of the third regiment of the 
state, afterwards of the continental troops, distinguished 
himself at the battb of Fort MoultriCs Sullivan's island^ 
and received the thanks of congress. His residence was 
at Bellville, on the Cong&ree river, opposite to the celebra- 
ted site of Fort Motte, 

ROCKS, GRANITE, FREESTONE, SOAPSTONE, LIMESTONE, &c. 

There is no appearance of granite rock found in this dis- 
trict, though the extreme north point of it dips into the 
primitive region. Considerable bodies of the compact shell 
lime stone rock run through the district from northeast to 
southwest Dr. V. W, V. Jamieson is the only one that 
has attended to this valuable rock so as to derive any ad- 
vantage from quarrying and burning it« He has been for 
many years engaged in supplying the demands of the dis^ 
trict for lime, both for building and indigo making, for 
which it answers very welL The lime made is of an ex= 
Gellent qualityo Dr. J. makes about 3000 bushels annually, 
and, could he find sale for it, could prepare ten times as 
much. 

i In working his quarry, many petrifactions and bones were 
discovered ; also shark's teeth, oyster shells, and many 
other marine productions, very much resembling those 
found on the sea-shore. In one instance a diamond was 
supposed to be found in the pits,* 

Freestone, both of a gray and white appearance, is to be 
found in several places. At Beaver creek a quarry of gray 
sjtbne was worked to supply the foundations of some of the 

This was no doubt the crystal of glassy quartz, or rock crystal 



670 

locks on the Santee cana], and is said to have split easily- 
The upper end of the district furnishes the white free- 
stone. A very good kind of gray stone is found near the 
Santee river on some of the waters of Lyon's creek ; also a 
species of potter's earth, or soapstone= The iron stone is 
abundant, and some of it tolerably rich in ore, near the same 
waters. 

In various places on High hill creek, and a small branch 
in its vicinity, called Mine branch, an abundance of rock 
containing iron ore is found. In some places the iron is 
almost pure ; the needle here will not traverse. 

MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

From what has been already observed, it will be seen 
that this district abounds in good materials for building, of 
every kind ; for excellent clay is plenty, as well as stone, 
timber, lime, &c. 

NAMES OF PLACES— INDIAN OK OTHERWISE. 

Motte's hill is celebrated in the revolutionary war. It 
is situated on the south side of the Santee river, at the base 
of the peninsula, forming McCord's ferry. A fort was 
erected here by the British, which completely command- 
ed the river. Mrs. Motte, who owned the premises, dis- 
played an eminent example of disinterested patriotism du- 
ring the siege of this fort by General Marion and Colonel 
Lee. When she understood that burning her house would 
be the most decissive mode of reducing the garrison, she 
presented some East India arrows for this purpose. The 
first arrow set the roof on fire ; the house was destroyed, 
and the enemy, consisting of 165 men, commanded by 
Lieut McPherson, was compelled, after a brave defence, 
to surrender at discretion. 

All the Indian names of places in this district are ex- 
tinct, except in the instances of Congaree, Santee, and 



67 i 

Edisto. The tribes of Indians which inhabited this section 
of the state were of the Cherokee and Catawba nation. It 
is difficult to account for so complete an obliteration of the 
aboriginal names, except from their odd sound, and the 
partiality of the white settlers to names more familiar to 
their ear, and which they could better understand. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

The most important relate to the progress of education 
and agriculture.* 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

Near the waters of High hill creek are the remains of 
two places, where considerable work was done in the pur- 
suit of gold, about 50 years ago. The operations were 
carried on for some time, and it was supposed that a con- 
siderable quantity of that metal was obtained. A branch 
of this creek has retained the name of Mine branch from 
this circumstance. A number of Germans, (report says 
60,) labored here a length of time ; but for want of proper 
instruments, and a knowledge of the business, as well as 
from the earth caving in, and covering one or two of the 
party, they abandoned their design. Whether they ob- 
tained any gold, is not known. 



PENDLETON. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

Previous to the treaty with the Cherokee Indians, made 
hy Governor Glen in 1755, few or no emigrations extended 
as high up the country, as where Pendleton district is now 

* See Beaufort District. 



672 

located. By this treaty, accession of lands, and liberty to 
erect forts on the western frontier, as a barrier against the 
French on the southwest, were granted by the Indians. 
The same year Braddock was defeated ; and the frpntiers 
of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, were so much 
exposed to danger, that many of their inhabitants migrated 
to the south. Some of these emigrants reached the lower 
edge of this district ; but the population lingered, and re- 
ceived considerable checks from the war with the Chero- 
kees. In 1759, several flourishing settlements were bro- 
ken up, and no new settlers would venture into this part of 
the country. These calamities were removed by the 
peace of Paris, in 1763 ; and from that period the settle- 
ments recommenced with increasing vigor. 

Between 1770, and 76, some internal disturbances, ei- 
ther from the Indians ortories, checked the growth of the 
district. But in the course of the revolutionary war, the 
Cherokees, having taken part with the enemy, were so 
completely defeated, that, in 1777, they ceded to South 
Carolina all their lands eastward of the Unacaye mountains, 
which disincumbered the district of such neighbors. After 
the peace of 1783, Pendleton, as well as Greenville, (which 
was also obtained by the treaty,) filled so rapidly with in- 
habitants, that, in the year ISOO, they alone contained up- 
wards of 30,000 souls. 

It was not until 1798, that Pendleton became an inde- 
pendent, judicial district ; previous to that, it was merged 
in Ninety-si:c district. When laid out, it was named Pen- 
dleton, in honor of Judge Pendleton. 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Pendleton constitutes the extreme N. W. boundary of 
South Carolina, and is the most mountainous district in 
the state. From this circumstance it presents the most 
picturesque and romantic face of country. The boun- 
daries of Pendleton are as follows : On the southwest bv 



G73 

the Savannah and Tugaloo rivers, up to the mouth of Cha- 
tuga river, which divides it from the state of Georgia ; 
on the northwest by Chatuga river, up the main fork to 
Commissioner's island, opposite to which, on the east bank 
of said river, a rock is marked with lat. 35°, A.D. 1813, 
(which also divides it from the state of Georgia,) said point 
forming a corner of North Carolina ; on the north by a line 
drawn from the last point, N. 68i W. 18 miles, SO chains, 
or until it strikes the ridge dividing the waters of French, 
Broad, and Big Estatoe rivers, where there is a stonc; 
keeping the summit of the same until it intersects a hickory 
tree, opposite the head spring of the south fork of Saluda 
river, which divides it from North Carolina ; on the north- 
east by the south fork and main Saluda river, following its 
meanders, down to a marked willow tree, opposite Lime 
creek, near Kinman's ferry, which divides it from Green- 
ville district ; and on the southeast by a straight line drawn 
from said Kinman^'s ferry, (or a white oak,) S. 45, W. 29 
miles 75 chains, or until it strikes Savannah river, at a 
marked black gum at the foot of Gray's shoal, which di- 
vides it from Abbeville district. The average length of 
Pendleton from northwest to southeast is 51 miles ; and 
breadth, from northeast to southwest, 36 miles. It contains 
about 1,175,040 square acres, which constitute it the third 
district for extent in the state. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL — ADAPTATION TO PARTICULAR PRO- 
DUCTS — -QUANTITY PER ACRE, 

The soil of Pendleton is various. The general face of the 
country presents a high, rolling, and thin soil, bottomed 
mostly on red clay, susceptible of great and lasting im- 
/|3rovements, from its capacity to retain manure. On all the 
rivers there are considerable bodies of rich bottom lands, 
with pine intervals. 

The soil, generally, of the district is well adapted to thf 



6/4 

culture of wheat, Indian corn, cotton, nee, barley, oatSy 
hemp, flax, indigo, buckwheat, Irish and sweet potatoes, &c. 
At present, without manuring the lands, the quantity of 
wheat produced to the acre is from 6 to 10 bushels ; the 
same land manured and properly cultivated, can be made 
to yield between 20 and 30 bushels to the acre. Corn ave- 
rages between 10 and 12 bushels, though 40 to 60 have been 
raised to the acre. The average of cotton is about 120 
pounds to the acre, clean of the seed. 

DISTRICT TOWN— VILLAGES. 

The court-house is located in the village of Pendleton, 
which, from this circumstance, may be considered the dis- 
trict town. It is pleasantly situate near the waters of 
Eighteen mile creek, a considerable branch of the Seneca 
river, which empties into the Savannah ; and contains, 
besides a court-house* and jail, a Presbyterian and Episco- 
pal church, 40 houses, several of them neat, an academy i, 
printing office, (issuing a weekly paper,) and an agricultural 
hall, for the meeting of a society of this nature. There is 
every prospect of the village increasing in population. A 
very select society is found here, and in the neighborhood; 
%vhere some gentlemen of fortune and high respectability, 
from the low country, have located themselves and families. 
A beautiful view of the mountains is obtained from the vil- 
lage. These bound the horizon to the north. Among the 
breaks of these colossal mounds is discovered the entrance 
into the interesting valley of Jocassee, celebrated in song ; 
and ofif in the distance, the eye rests on that splendid mass 
of perpendicular rock, (the admiration of travellers,) the 
Table mountain, backed by the most elevated grounds in 
the state, the Sassafras mountain. 

Several settlements as villages, are established in various 

* A new court-house on an elegant and spacious plan will soon be 
erected here, an appropriation being made for this purpose by the 
lc?islatiirf*. 



675 

places in the district. The oldest of these is Pickensyiliej 
formerly the seat of justice, but now reduced to three or 
four houses. It is situate seven or eight miles west of the 
Saluda river. The 17th regiment muster ground is held 
liere. 

Rock Mills village lies on Generosittee river, a water of 
Savannah. Here is the largest merchant's mill in the dis- 
trict, belonging to Maverick and Lewis ; also, a sawmill^ 
spindle factory, and distilleries, besides several wagon- 
makers, shoemakers, &c. 

Centreville was established by E. Earle, Esq. principally 
for manufacturing purposes. 

A town was laid out by General Anderson, on the Tuga= 
loo, or Savannah river, at the junction of the Seneca, called 
Andersonville, It is situate at the very point of a penin- 
sula, and is a most romantic spot. The project of making 
it a commercial town failed. 

In this' place two mills and a forge, &c. were built, and 
a manufactory of small-arms established. About one hun- 
dred had actually been made, when peace put an end to the 
scheme. As the war contributed to injure it in other re- 
spects, and checked the spirit of enterprise, the principal 
persons moved away. At this place there is now a store^ 
which collects from the Indians the spigelia marilandica« 
(pinkroot,) which is made up into bundles of about one 
pound each, stem and all, %vhichare pressed into large hogs= 
heads, containing 600 pounds each. This plant brings, in 
Savannah or Charleston, 35 cents a pound. There are also 
sent to market from this place about 1000 lbs. of gensing, 
and several hogsheads of snakeroot, both of the black and 
Seneca kind. The Savannah is here about 400 yards wide, 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE.. 

/ Tugaloo and Seneca (chilled Keowjsig above) are the twti 
great Branclies of the Savannah river. The Tugaloo is now 

00 S 



676 

navigable for small boats to Pulaski, at the mouth of Bra'ss- 
towH and Panther creeks. By sluicing merely, these streams 
may be made navigable entirely within the mountainsv 
Boats descend the Tugaloo, or from Andersonville, with 
70 bales of cotton, or 10 tons. The Seneca is navigable for 
smaller sized boats 26 miles^ or 6 miles above Pendleton 
court-house. At the junction of Twelve mile creek, the 
Seneca changes its name to Keowee, which river is capable 
of being made navigable entirely within the mountains by 
sluicing. The Tugaloo branch of the Savannah rises in the 
mountains, a short distance from the Kiwassee, a navigable 
branch of the Tennessee river. By means of these streams 
it is believed that the southern Atlantic may be connected 
with the western states, by a navigable canal. The genera! 
government have ordered surveys to ascertain its practi^ ^ 
cability. 

The navigation of Saluda may be extended up into this 
district by locking round the great falls at General Ware's 
mills. 

These are the principal navigable streams in Pendleton^ 
Numerous branches, (some very large,) ramify from the, 
main rivers ; the principal of which are waters of the Seneca 
and Keowee. Their names are as follows : the Toxaway, 
(head branch of the Keowee,) the Six, Twelve, Eighteen, 
Twenty-three, and Twenty-six mile creeks, (so denominat- 
ed from their distance from the military station at Keowee 
old fort, or Fort Prince George,) Chatuga river, Chauga 
and Coneross creek. Rocky river, Big and Little Generosit- 
tee creeks, Little river, Oconee, Big and Little Estatoe., 
locassee and White Water creeks ; also Georges, Brushy, 
Broad mouth, Hurricane, Wilson, Big creek, and many 
others, all which furnish fine lands for farming. Fevr 
counties are better watered than Pendleton. 

VALUE OF LAND— PRICE OF LABOR. 

'The uplands sell from 50 cents to 10 dollars per acre,, and 



677 

bottom lands from S to 50 dollars. The ease with which 
lands can be obtained enables every industrious family, that 
will, to have a farm of their own. 

The price of laboring hands is, white men from 80 to 120 
dollars per annum ; negroes, from 36 to 00 dollars, 

PKICE OF PROVISIONS—EXPENSES OF LIVING, 

Wheat generally sells for $1 a bushel | corn, 40 cents j 
rice, g2 50 ; rye, 75 cents ; cotton, $2 50 to $5 pet hundred 
in the seed ; indigo, 65 to 85 cents per pound ; beef, 3 to 4 
cents ; mutton, 5 to 7 ; tallow, 10 to 12 cents ; butter, ISi 
cents per pound ; cider, §5 to ^7 per barrel ; apples, 50 to 
75 cents per bushel ; lumber, $1 per hundred feet. 

The expenses of boarding on farms are very moderate, 
from 50 to iglOO per annum. At the taverns the charge 
varies, from 2 50 to ^5 per week. 

COMMERCE — MANUFACTURES. 

Charleston and Hamburg are the two principal markets 
of this district. But little progress has been made in manu= 
factures, except in the domestic way. Every family manu- 
factures cotton cloth for their own use, which gives em- 
ployment, during wet weather, to idle hands. There is 
one cotton factory, owned by Mr. Garrison, in the district, 
which manufactures for sale, on a small scale. f A rifle gun 
factory is established on the Chatuga creek. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY. 

The climate of Pendleton is one of the best in the United 
States, and equal to any in the world. The thermometer 
is seldom below 18° in winter, and that for only a few days; 
in summer it never is over 90° to 97°; and this lasts only for 
about ten days in the early part of July, which is the hottest 
time ; so that eleven months in the year are comfortable to 
'^work in. 

There are no local diseases, except in the neighborhood 
of mill ponds, or in similar damp situations, where a de1e= 



678 

serious air is produced by the decay of vegetable matter, 
Such spots are, however, rare, particularly in the upper 
part of the district. There is a singular disease occasionally 
prevailing in the mountains of this district, called the milk 
sickness. It produces such a perversion of the lacteal juices 
in cattle, that those who use either the milk or butter, die, 
or become extremely sick. It is liable to be contracted only 
in certain places, that are uniformly inaccessible to the sun's 
rays ; and some of these spots the inhabitants have fenced 
in, to prevent their stock feeding on them. 

There is another curious fact. The honey collected by 
the bees in places where the Rhododendron laurel abounds, 
is deemed poisonous, and causes violent \'omitings, even in 
cases where it has been sparingly used. 

There is a number of aged persons belonging to Pendle- 
ton, between 70 and 87 ; and several have died still older. 

POPULATION— TAXES. 

The population increases rapidly from births, and emigra- 
tions from the lower parts of this state ; from Georgia, and 
from the northern states ; although emigrations to a consid- 
erable extent have been made from the district to the new 
purchases in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Ohio. The 
census of 1800 exceeded 20,000 souls ; of which 17,670 
were whites, 2,224 slaves, and 68 free blacks. In 1820 
the population stood as follows : — 22,140 whites, 4,715 
slaves, 167 free blacks ; total, 37,022. A considerable in- 
srease has taken place within the last five years. 

This district paid in taxes to the state the last year g5,- 
MB 49. 

CATTLE-— SHEEP— SWINE — tHEIR VALUE. 

Cattle and hogs are plenty — but few sheep, owing to 
there not being a sufficiency of cleared lands. Cows sell at 
10 to ^12, Hogs g5. Sheep 3 to ^4 a head. Horses are 
plenty, and there are some mules. 



679 



FISH— GAME— BIRDS. 

The fish are shad, perch, cat-fish, sucker, &c. The birds 
and game are numerous, and of those usual to other parts of 
the state. The woodpeckers, &c. move south in the fuli 
moon of September, and return in spring and autumn. 

EDUCATION. 

Much attention has been paid to this important subject 
for some years. An excellent academy is established at the 
village of Pendleton ; and, in various places, private schools 
are located. By the munificence of the state, these have 
been much assisted from the fund provided to educate poor 
children, who are placed at these private schools. The re- 
turn of the commissioners of free schools within the last 
two years, show upwards of >^3,S00 expended on this object^ 
and above 400 poor children under tuition. 

A poor-house and farm are provided for the poor of this 
district, where they are furnished with such work as they 
are capable of performing. The only expense attending 
this establishment, is paying the salary of the keeper or 
superintendent. 

NUMBER ANE CLASS OF KELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists, are the 
most numerous religious societies in this district. There 
are a few Episcopalians. 

EMINENT MEN. 

General Andrew 'Pickens, and Gen. Robert Anderson, 
%vhose names stand enrolled among the worthies of the re- 
volutionary war, were residents in this district. General 
Pickens commanded the whole of the southern militia, 
with 190 men from North Carolina, on the memorable l7th 
of January, 1781, at the battle of the Cowpens : and by 



680 

his good conduct contributed much to the success of tiie 
American arms. He was honored by congress with a sword 
for his gallantry here. On several other occasions he dis- 
tinguished himself, and advanced the honor and interests 
of his country. Gen. Anderson also distinguished himself 
at the battle of the Cowpens, and rendered other services to 
the state, which have endeared his memory to us. At the 
foot of the mountain resides Capt. John Lynch, the author 
of the famous law called by his name, of very notable 
effect. * 

NAMES OF PLACES, AND THEIR ORIGIN- — INDIAN OR OTHER- 

WISE. 

Pendleton being the principal frontier of the province of 
South Carolina, previous to the revolution, includes a num- 
ber of places of considerable note and interest. The chief 
of these are the Oconee station and Keowee old fort, or 
Fort Prince George. When these forts were built, they 
were in the midst of the Cherokee nation, removed 300 
miles from Charleston. The garrisons were both solitary 
and much exposed. Fort Prince George was first garrison- 
ed in 1756. It is built on the banks of the Keowee, and 
within gunshot of the Indian town of that name. Many 
interesting particulars are associated with this spot, which 
are intimately blended with the military history of the 
state, and v/hich may be found in the secretary of states' 
office. 

The Oconee station is situate on the banks of the Oconee 
creek, within a short distance of the Oconee town, and near 
to the old Indian boundary line, now so called.! The In« 

* Near to Captain Lynch's house runs the 35th degree of north 
latitude. It was here that this important point was first ascertained. 

f A line of forts extended from these two mihtary stations down to 
the thick settled parts of the province. The names and position oif 
which may be found under the head of Newberry district— Miscella 
neous Observations-. 



68 i 

diaii tract, of which this was a boundary, Was purchased in 
1817, from the Cherokees. It was in the form of a triangle, 
having the line run by Gen Pickens for its base, about 38 
miles, and about seven miles perpendicular, containing up- 
wards of 150,000 acres. 

A great number of Indian tribes inhabited Pendleton dis- 
trict, originally belonging to the Cherokee nation. Re- 
mains of their towns are still to be seen. The following 
location and names of these have been preserved. Old 
Keowee, just below Fort Prince George ; Sugar town, a 
little above said fort ; New Keowee, on Mile creek ; Sene- 
kaw, on Seneca river ; Takwashwaw, or Chagee, on Chau- 
ga creek, near to Tugaloo river ; Acconee, on Oconee creek; 
Estatoe, on the creek of the same name ; Quacoratchie, on 
Crow creek; Tugaloo, or Toogoola, at the junction of the 
Chatuga and Tugaloo rivers; Noyowee, on the Chatuga, a 
little above the last town ; and Chickerree, high up the 
Chatuga. 

Other Indian names occur in the water courses, besides 
the above. These are, the Jocassee, which gives name to 
a most romantic valley ; Cheochee, Toxaway creek, Tom;- 
massee, Oolonee, Keshwee, (the north fork of Toxaway 
river,) Generositee, Isundigaw, (now called Seneca river,) 
and Coeeross creek. Pendleton is the only district which 
has retained so many Indian names of places, owing to its 
being the last resting place of the aborigines of South Caro- 
lina. This circumstance tends to give it peculiar interest, 
which will be increased at some future day, when our citi- 
zens shall have leisure and taste to pursue the walks of the. 
antiquarian. 

ROCKS, GRANITE, FREESTONE, SOAPSTONE, LIMESTONIX 

Stupendous mountains of solid rock rear their everlast- 
^g summits in the northern parts of this district ; and 
rocks of granite and gniess are found every where. Beds 

of primitive limestone, are also discovered in some places. 



682 



MINERALS— MET ALS 

Pendleton abounds in minerals, A recent examination 
of the country, affords iron, yellow ochre, pyrites, plum- 
bago or black lead, kaolin, talc, asbestos, quartz, crys- 
tals, &c.* 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES. 

On the uplands are found, post oak, hickory, red, blaekj 
and Spanish oak, blackjack, pine, and chesnut. On the ri- 
vers and creeks are the %vhite oak, poplar, maple, gum, 
wahoo, water oak, black and white walnut, wild cherry, 
persimmon, service tree, beech, &c. The fruit trees are 
the apple, peach, pear, cherry, plum, quince ; besides 
some varieties of the grape. There appears very little 
doubt, from the experiments made by Mr. Maverick, who 
for several years has had a vineyard established in the dis- 
trict, that the grape may be cultivated here, and become an 
article of great importance. Mr. M. has lately made a 
large collection of native and foreign grape-vines, with 
which he intends to pursue his experiments ; and, from 
the value of the vine to the country, every success it is 
hoped will attend them, and he be fully remunerated for 
his laudable exertions to benefit the state. 

MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

From what has been remarked under the head of rocks, 
timber trees, &c. it will be seen that abundance of the most 
substantial materials for building are found in this district : 
excellent clay also for making brick is discovered every 
where, and stone lime for making mortar. 

GENERAL STATE OF THE ARTS AND LITERATURE. 

An agricultural society has for many years been formed 
in this district, A neat classic building has been erected 

* For e'Ber oarticulars see na,t«ral hietorv of the etatp. 



683 

in the village by the society, where they transact their bu= 
siness. The beneficial effects of this institution, are to be 
discovered in visiting the farms. 

A number of the citizens being intelligent, and inde- 
pendent in their circumstances, the useful arts and litera- 
ture are much cultivated. A taste for reading is dissemina- 
ting itself through the district. It is much to be desired 
that circulating libraries, composed of select works, were 
more general through the country. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

Being so far from a market, its soil best calculated for 
the cultivation of grains which are bulky, and expensive 
to transport by land carriage, Pendleton wants the im- 
provement of its water courses, so as to be put upon a com- 
parative equality with the neighboring districts below. 

In the first instance, the Savannah presents the most 
practicable medium oi forming such a communication. 
Measures have been already taken by the state to open the 
•Seneca river; but until the obstructions on the Savannah 
river (which require the co-operation of Georgia to effect 
are removed, the navigation will be very precarious and 

'TexUo the Savannah, the Saluda river deserves the at^ 
tention of the legislature. This i. a fine stream, and fi-om 
its being the dividing line between Greenville and this 
district, and running through the heart o the state it m-^ 
terests a larger extent of country. Besides this, it inte ^ 
sects the weLrn trade, which in the event of this nve k. 
ing opened for navigation, would increase considerabl) , 
and lastly, it terminates at the seat of government 

Pendllton being an agdcultural district, in the true sense 

of the term, too much attention cannot be paid to tbe 

4rming sybU, The deteriorating ei!ects consequet.t 



p ? 



684 

upon the planting system, observable in other disncts, 
should prove a lesson to this, to avoid falling into the 
same error. The woods will disappear fast enough, without 
clearing more land than can be cultivated to advantage ; 
andj in a hilly country like Pendleton, particular care 
should be taken, when the lands are left in fallow^ to keep 
them enclosed ; and to give them a vegetable coat, to 
guard the surface from being washed away. It is deplo- 
rable to see the neglect of many of our planters in different 
districts, in this respect ; and the consequent destruction 
of some of the finest farming lands. 

The improvement wanted in the system of education. " 
particularly in regard to poor children,has been already ad- 
verted toj and powerfully calls for attention from the legist 
tature, 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

The natural curiosities of this district are of the most in^' 
teresting character, from the precipitous nature of some of 
its mountains, its numerous cascades, its rapids, its beauti- 
ful valleys, and lofty mountains. The Table rock is per- 
haps one of the greatest natural curiosities of the kind in 
the world. It rears a colossal, and almost perpendicular 
wail of solid granite rock upwards oi 1000 feet above its 
base ; and strikes the beholder with awe and wonder. 

By a recent admeasurement of this rock its perpendicular 
height above the base is 1110 feet. Its sides are fluted by 
the constant attrition of the descending streams ; which, 
when the sunbeams strike them, present the appearance of 
a zone of brilliants. 

Three sides of this mountain rock are precipitous ; and 
for about 600 feet present a naked front of granite. On the 
western side a stream of water runs with great velocity^ 
andj with those of five cascades of unequal size^ are seen 
struggling with the rocks below^ for some distance, before 



cJBo 

reaching the Polenoe, one of the tributary streams of the 

Saluda. 

The sides of these streams are completely shut up by the 

rich foliage of the fir tree, mountain laurel, tulip, holly; 

and chesnut ; the branches of which interlock, and form a 

beautiful verdant arcade. 

The ascent to the top of the rock is on this side. On the 
eastern face the ascent is difficult. A rope and ladder 
being necessary at one particular point, few hazard it. On 
the west side it may be rode by a good horseman ; and as 
the traveller ascends, the beauty and grandeur of the scene 
rapidly increase on the sight. 

The summit of the Table rock is clothed with a conside. 
rable growth of trees and shrubbery, which furnish a delight- 
ful shade. The flat surface on the lop is about a mile 
square. There is, near it, a rock of smaller size, and less 
altitude, which is called the giant's stool, to correspond 
with his table. Passing on to the eastern extremity, for 
a quarter of a mile, b}'' means of steps and bushes, the 
celebrated cedar tree is gained ; celebrated, because this 
tree is the extreme point which fixes the ambition of 
ail.* Here a prospect opens on the delighted vision, 
that may be imagined, but cannot be properly described. 
The feeling produced upon the mind is most avvful and 
terrific in the first instance, on looking downj and behold- 
ing under your feet a precipice of 1 100 feet perpendicular 
descent. Gradually the mind becomes familiar to the 
danger, ami begins at leisure to survey one of the sublimest 
prospects that can be unfolded to the eye. 



* This small cedar tree has wreathed its roots into the crevices of 
the rock. The mass also to which it has attached itself is understood 
to be separated from the main body — but man need not fear that his 
contemptible weight can displace it. The curious traveller takes 
hold of this cedar with both his hands, and passes round it, close on 
the verge of the tremendous steep. The trunk and branches of thie 



686 

Mountains piled on mountains, present themselves in one 
direction (the north and east) far as the eye can reach. 
Slicking river is seen descending the side of the dismal 
mountain as brilliant as liquid glass ; sometimes falling 
twenty feet at a time, until it enters the Saluda. To the 
north the horizon is bounded by the Alleghany ridge, 
towering in majestic grandeur ; but on looking to the 
south, southeast, and southwest, the sublime and awful yield 
to the beautiful and interesting. Almost every acre of culti- 
vated land, for a vast extent of country, is seen, like so 
many dark spots in the immense forest, which appears as 
a green and grassy carpet. The farmers' log houses look 
like the mansions of Lilliput ; while the Saluda river, me- 
andering through the vale, has the appearance of a rill, 
that one would lead to irrigate a garden, or a meadow. A 
number of detached mountains arrest the eye in wandering 
over the vast expanse ; Brown's, Potato Hill, and Glassy 
mountain to the southwest, and beyond these the Six mile 
mountain, (near the court-house,) and even the Knob in 
Laurens district, are seen at the horizon in the south. To 
the east of south Paris mountain is overlooked, and the 
whole district of Greenville is spread before the eye. In 
the chain of mountains, from northeast to northwest, the 
Glassy and Hogback mountains (in Greenville) are to be 
Seen, which bound the horizon there ; passing the eye 
over Spartanburg to the east, King's mountain, in York 
district, celebrated in the revolution, terminates the view. 
The Saluda mountains follow the Glassy, then Panther's 
Knob, Caesar's head, Dismal, Sassafras, Estatoe, and Oole- 



tree present a living testimony of the love of man for. immortality. In- 
numerable names are inserted here, and many a daring act is recorded 
to have been there performed. Among the feats told the traveller, is 
one of a dancing master, who, while suspended by his hands from the 
tree, and hanging over this tremendous precipice, cut a few short 
chaufsers in the air with his feet. 



687 

hoy mountains ; which brings the eye west, where, at the 
horizon, are seen the Currechee mountains in Georgia, 

The Sassafras knob has been ascertained to be the high- 
est mountain in South Carolina. Its elevation is at least 
2500 feet above its base ; and about 3200 feet above the 
ocean. It lies immediately back of the Table rock, which 
may be said to constitute its second base. This mountain 
ought to be named Estatoe, because the river Estatoe, 
which waters the beautiful valley of that name, rises in 
it. The whole mountain extends about five miles in 
length, and is from two to three miles wide. At the 
northern end it runs into a lofty peak, thickly covered witli 
slender Sassafras saplings, (whence its name,) so flexile that 
as you ride through them, you have to push them by witli 
your hand, as one would tall corn. The soil is rich, not- 
withstanding its great elevation. It has about tvv'o miles 
square of good farming land, that was once cultivated. 

From this knob the view is extremely grand. On the 
W. and N. the blue ridge lifts its towering peaks in the 
distant horizon ; among which are conspicuous the Chim- 
ney stack, and Devil's court-house. The intervening space 
is filled with smaller hills, through which the numerous 
head waters of the Chatuga and Keowee pursue their devi- 
ous course. On the east the Table mountain, Hogback, 
and Bald knob, present their summits ; and to the S. E. 
the interminable tract of country below ; with Paris moun- 
tain, the Glassy rock, and the villages of Greenville and 
Pendleton, which are brought within the range of the view; 
as also Tomossee knob, the seat of the patriot warrior, 
General Pickens. 

The mountains of this country are, at intervals, a range 
of naked granite, mixed as usual with mica, and apparently 
a /good deal of iron ore ; but more generally they are 
covered with a fertile soil, saturated with the moisture 
that the clouds perpetually distil, and abounding in plants 
worthy the notice of the naturalist. 



68a . 

This region may be considered the Switzerland of-South 
Carolina : a pure air, cool, translucent water, and all the 
necessaries of life to be found, are here. The traveller as 
yet must bring his luxuries with him ; but certainly this 
is the part of Carolina, to which those who seek a cool sum- 
mer residence, and a bracing air, will give a preference for 
health and pleasure. 

On the summit and sides of these mountains, the clouds 
frequently rest, or roll in masses at their feet ; and, con- 
densed by the cool temperature, descend in dews, or rain. 
In descending from a lofty ridge into the valley, where 
the torrent, hid by intertwined laurel, roars along, the 
traveller feels as if going into an ice-house. 

They say here, " the mountains smoke," when a spiry 
column of mist ascends, as smoke from a furnace. This 
curious phenomenon is often seen, but has not been ex- 
plained. 

There is neither lake, nor pond, nor any collection of 
standing waters in the whole range of these mountains ; 
and their spurs, though windmg, and interlocking in a 
thousand different ways, still afford an uninterrupted exit 
for the torrents they collect from the incumbent clouds. 

The Jocassee valley has been celebrated for its romantic 
situation, rich valle3's, and beautiful water-falls. It is liter- 
ally shut in on every side by lofty mountains. There are 
two splendid water-falls at the head of this valley ; those 
of Whitewater river with a pitch of 40 feet, and that of the 
main fork of Jocassee river, near the line of North Caro- 
lina, which, for elevation, exceeds even the great falls of 
Niagara. It is but a short time since this magnificent cas- 
cade was discovered, which presents the greatest curio- 
sity of the kind in the southern states. The rock, over 
%vhich the water precipitates itself, overhangs its base, 
and admits almost a dry passage way between its sides and 
the water fall. Those who venture through this retreat of 
the Naiades of the stream., must be content to look below : 



689 

for should the eye be once uplifted, to behold the descent 
of this mass of waters from their giddy height, a fear and 
trembling seizes the limbs and checks the daring attempt. 
The visitant seems to expect to be crushed beneath the im- 
pending rock, such is the effect produced upon the fancy 
by looking upwards ; the descent of the rock being sub- 
stituted for the descent of the waters; and, for the moment 
he is completely deceived. 

The vale of Jocassee is about four miles long, and from a 
quarter to half a mile wide ; containing about 500 acres of 
very rich land, well timbered ; the beech and poplar, in par- 
ticular, large and beautiful. It is watered by the Jocassee 
river, which is joined by the Whitewater, near the north 
end of the vale. The Whitewater precipitates itself from 
a mountain over a sloping fall, apparently 300 yards ; roar- 
ing through broken rocks, dashed from steep to steep, and 
foaming vvhite, till it reaches a more quiet, though still rocky 
bed, and rolls its pure, transparent stream along the vale. 
In this vale several families now reside, who seem to be in 
a little world of their own ; so encompassed are they hy 
hills and rocks, so precipitous that the vale is inaccessible, 
except by two or three steep w inding paths. The surround- 
ing rocks are so high that the clouds often rest upon their 
summit, and, as it were, spread their wings to shade the 
favored and sequestered spot below. 

The stream called the Devil's fork, enters the valley at 
the south end, and mingles with the Jocassee. It is so 
named from the deep glens, and dark, tangled shades, through 
which it flows ; fit haunt, in rustic estimation, for demons 
and genii. The view of Jocassee, as you look down into it 
from the surrounding heights, puts one in mind of Milton's 
paradise, guarded by high umbrageous walls, and watered 
by xlelicious streams ; the sweet abode of innocence and 
love. 

This tiny spot is not without some claim to the historian's 
notice, for here once stood an Indian village ; but the de- 



690 

stroyer came, and the Indian fell by his sword. Even now 
the hunter marks where the red warrior bled^ and shows 
his grave. 

At the south end the valley narrows to a defile. The 
Indians had fortified the pass with abattes, but left the river 
open with a watchman attending. Our troops advanced in 
silence, killed the watchman, whom they found asleepy 
pushed up the stream, and destroyed the town. 

A near view of the Whitewater will fully compensate the 
traveller. Pursuing the margin of the Toxaway, in a path 
accessible only to horsemen, or to foot-passengers, the ear 
is saluted, on one side, by murmurs of a pellucid stream, 
(the Toxaway,) which rolls its current over a strong bed ; 
on the other, the eye is surprised by beholding the almost 
perpendicular hills and mountains, decorated with laurels 
and other interesting shrubs ; and, at intervals, presenting 
to the view impending rocks, and trees wildly luxuriant. 
At length you enter the vale of Jocassee, and soon descry 
the interesting object of curiosity. 

The Whitewater derives its name from its numerous ca- 
taracts ; that, by which it flings itself into the vale, is tran- 
scendantly beautiful. At one place, called the Pitch, the 
water rolls over a regular ledge of rocks, forming an un- 
commonly elegant cascade, or rather uniform sheet of water, 
falling about twenty feet perpendicular, which creates a 
wind that keeps the foliage below in constant motion. The 
angle of elevation from the bottom, is about 45°, and esti- 
mating the length of the fall at 300 yards, the whole height 
from the top of the rock is about 600 feet. 

The brilliant whiteness of the water, through its whole 
descent, contrasted with the dark surrounding scenery, has 
an uncommon effect, and justifies the appellation by which 
the river is distinguished. In describing such a scene of 
beauty and grandeur, one is at a loss for words. 
|V There are two other valleys in these mountains. The 
Horsepasture, which contains but two families : it wa@ sc 



691 

B,amed from the Indians hiding stolen horses in it, and per- 
haps a better place they could not have chosen. The other 
called the Canebrake, is yet uninhabited. 

A few years only have elapsed since these mountains and 
valleys were the property and abode of the Indian. The 
Cherokees held, in this state, as lately as 1816, a tract of 
about 150,000 acres, which embraced all the country jying 
within the Chatuga river, Blue mountains, and a line drawn 
from Pulaski village, on Toruro river, N. 45, E. until it 
intersects the mountains. This tract was purchased by the 
state from these Indians, who have retired to the other side 
of the mountains, and the Chatuga river. They occasion^ 
ally visit the district in little bands, to dig up pink-root^ 
which grows in great abundance upon these mountainSo 
They carry with them a small hoe fit for the purpose, en- 
camp in tlie woods, under mean hovels made of bark, sub- 
sisting upon the casual produce of the chase, and the pit- 
tance they can beg amongst the settlers. Their spigelica 
marilandica, their gensing, their snake -root, and their skinsj 
they exchange for homemade cloth, salt, and perhaps, a few- 
bottles of whiskey — their bane and ruin. 

The last act of hostility committed by the Indians, in 
this place, was an act of retaliation. The Indians had stolen 
a horse ; the settlers armed, went in pursuit, obtained the 
horse, and, on their return, met an Indian, who had been 
making purchases in the settlement ; they shot him down^ 
divided his spoil, horse, rifle, &c. amongst them, and left 
him. The Indians found means soon after to surprise a 
plantation ; and, having murdered two or three men and 
women, sated their revenge, and buried the hatchet. 

Several Indian anecdotes may be related. A party was 
stationed at the block-house, as a frontier guard, and some 
■<)^ their young women went to wash at the spring ; the cruel 
Indians sprung upon their defenceless prey, and scalped and 



692 

butchered fhree of them. The men in garrison heard their 
screams, bul ; bought they were in play. 

A party of white men, about twelve in number, near the 
same place, going carelessly along the road, were fired upon 
by the Indians, who lay in ambush by the wayside ; yet 
only one of them fell ; the rest of the party escaped. They 
tell of a harlequin feat performed by one of the fugitives. 
No sooner was the volley given, than he threw off his coat 
and vest so quickly, that they were found on the very spot 
where they received the fire. 



RICHLAND. 

MISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT—ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

The first settlement of this district was made at the junc- 
tion of Cane creek with Broad river, about the year 174Q. 
Cowpens were there established by Benjamin Singleton^ 
which were afterwards continued by Porcher. Imme- 
diately after this period settlements were made by German 
emigrants, at the junction of Little river, Cane, andKinsler 
creeks with Broad river. 

The rearing of stock, and the pursuit of game, constituted 
the principal employment of the first settlers. The sudden 
incursion of the Cherokee Indians often excited terror and 
alarm, and compelled the settlers to desert their cottages, 
and seek safety and protection in the fort at Granly, on the 
Congaree, or the fort at Kinnerly'?, on the Saluda. The 
lower part of the district was chiefly settled from Virginia, 
but the population did not increase until after the treaty 
with the Cherokee Indians, in 1755, who ceded to us the 
soil of this with several other districts, &c. 

The name of this district is said te have originated from 



693 

the large bodies of rich highland swamp^ which border op. 
its rivers. 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Richland district is nearly equally divided between the 
primitive and alluvial regions.* The largest portion, hoW" 
ever, belongs to the latter. In the general physical division 
of the state, it is placed in the fourth, or Sand hill regiun | 
which may be said to begin and end in it. This regionj, 
like that in which Kershaw, Darlington, Orangeburg, and 
Lexington districts are situated, includes the extremes of 
sterility and fertility. The highlands are composed of ex= 
tensive regions of barren sand, covered with small pitch- 
pines, and blackjack or dwarf oaks. The air is here remarka- 
bly salubrious, and th« waters pure and pleasant. Taking 
the year through, there is no country more healthy. The 
summers are exempt from bilious, and the winters from 
inflammatory diseases. The rivers are bordered by a great 
extent of alluvial low grounds, which are so high as to be 
rarely affected by freshets, and are as fertile as the deltas of 
the Nile or the Mississippi. 

These swamps, from their not being properly drained and 
cultivated, are sickly ; but the sand hills, which adjoin them, 
present healthy retreats to the planters, who generally 
retire to them in the autumn. In this region perfect health 
and great fertility approach each other nearer than in any 
other part of the state, Tlie river swamps are elevated 
about one hundred feet above the ocean, and the sand 
hills are from 60 to 200 feet higher Taking a philosophical 
view of this section of country, we may rationally conclude 
that these sand hills once formed the shore of the ocean* 
which covered all the country below them ; a period pro= 
bably not more remote than 3000 years since. t 

/ * This geological division is according to the system laid down by 
M'Clure. 

t Since the discovery of North America it is said that the deltas of 
the Mississippi have extended 50 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. 



694 

Richland is bounded on the northwest by the Conojaree 
and Broad rivers, as high up as Little river, which separates" 
It from Lexington and Orangeburg; on the east by the 
Wateree river, as high up as the raouth of Raglin's creek, 
which divides it from Sumter, thence up Ragiin's gut, and 
creek, to its head or source, thence by a straight line drawn 
N. 50, W. 12 miles 16 chains, to a point designating the 
corner of Kershaw and Fairfield, which lines form the 
boundary of Kershaw district ; thence by a straight line 
drawn N. 88, W. 17 miles 40 chains, to the intersection of 
Little river, about one mile above the mouth of Shaver's 
creek, and down said river to its junction with Broad river, 
which separates it from Fairfield. 

Richland is computed to contain 403,200 acres; being on 
an average 30 miles long by 21 miles wide. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL— PRODUCTS. 

Along the margins of the rivers the soil is of the first 
quality, deep, rich, and highly fertile. The second quality 
are those bottoms where the creeks run. The third are the 
high, flat, red, loamy lands, bordering the Broad river, 
which terminate in clay lands before reaching Little river. 
The fourth are the sandy lands, which make up the largest 
portion of the district, sbme of which yield very kindly 
especially in garden stuffs The products of these lands 
are as variable as their quality of soil. While the swamp 
lands will produce to the acre from 3 to 400 pounds of clean 
cotton, or from 40 to SO bushels of corn, the best of the pine 
lands will not bring more than 10 to 15 bushels of corn, or 
100 pounds of cotton. The red lands, however, will yield 
250 pounds of clean cotton, or 30 bushels of corn to the 
acre. 

The lands in the upper part of this district may be divided 
into four classes, each class possessing a peculiarity of soil 
and character, and each differing in its productive capacity, 
viz : 1st class, Low lands on Bro:id river. 2d, First quality 



6^ 

of oak ami hickory. 3cl, Second quality of oak and hickory„ 
4th, First quality of pine lands. 5th, Sand hills and barrens. 
In the soil of our river lands there are varieties which would 
not escape the notice of the most careless observer. 

The land immediately on the river, extending from one 
to tu'o hundred yards back, is literally a sand hed, which 
appears to have been formed by successive freshets. This 
bed of sand confines the river within its channel, and is a 
complete natural barrier against ordinary floods. I scarcely 
know a place where the river breaks over this natural em- 
bankment. Our low lands are partially subject to inundation, 
but in these cases the river finds its way invariably through 
our creeks or inlets. This natural fortification has lulled 
the planter into listless security. The risk of loss by fresh- 
ets has not been deemed sufficiently great to justify a 
resort to embankments in a solitary instance. The excess 
of sand in the soil immediately on the river renders it un- 
productive. It is best adapted to the growth of Indian corn 
and pease. 

The soil of the swamp land, which is in most cases allu- 
vial, (being subject to occasional inundations,) evinces a 
total absence of sand, or silicious particles, and possesses a 
substratum of clay, neither porous or absorbent. This landj 
when drained, is well calculated to produce either corn or 
cotton, and would be invaluable for rice, particularly where 
it can be rendered subject to irrigation. The land compos- 
ing the immediate space between the swamp and the sand 
bed on the river is of a proper consistence of sand and ve- 
getable substance, intermixed with isinglass ; this is com- 
monly denominated isinglass land, and is known to be well 
adapted to the various products of the country, particularly 
corn, cotton, and wheat. 

^econd class — First quality of oak and hickory lands are 
not much inferior in fertility or value to river lands, pos- 
sessing a russet mould with a just proportion of silicious 
and vegetable substances. This land is more easily culti- 



yated in a v/et season than river lands, but does not retam 
moisturt; or sustain the plant as well during a long and pro- 
tracted drought ; it is well adapted to the growth of Indian 
corn, cotton, wheat, &c. 

Third class — Second quality of oak and hickory land pos- 
sesses a sandy, light ash-coloured mould, and is destitute of 
a cla)'' substratum. This land is soon impoverished and 
exhausted ; it is best adapted to the growth of Indian corn, 
pease, and esculent roots. 

Fourth class — The first quality pine land is superior in 
point of durability and value to the last mentioned land. It 
possesses a dark-coloured mould, with a substratum of clay ; 
it is well calculated to produce cotton, wheat, and corn. 

The Fifth class consists of what is verv properly termed 
sandhills. This class comprises probably half the land of 
the district, the general and uniform character of which is 
so well known as to render a descripd on usrlrss. The term 
sand hills conveys an adequate idea of their sterility and 
barrenness, and of the composition and nature of the soil. 
It is particularly adapted to the growth of pease and esculent 
roots. 

There is another description of barren unproductive lands, 
situated between the sand hills and Broad river, the growth 
of which is similar to that of the sand hills, but which is 
different in the composition and nature of the soil. This 
land is literally covered with stone and gravel, and is only 
valuable for the timber and luxuriant wild grass it affords, 
upon which our stock subsists during summer. 

The culture and management of our lands have a tendency 
to produce their gradual deterioration, and finally their 
ruin. The only rotation of crops observed is the alternate 
growth of cotton and corn, and frequently a continuation of 
the latter crop upon the same field, for a number of years 
without change. 

In this part of the district small grain is not entirely ne- 
glected : wheat is raised in sufficient abundance for domestic 



consumption. Some of the descendants of the first German 
settlers still retain an attachment to the practices of their 
ancestors in agriculture. They have their harvests, and 
meet and afford each other mutual aid on these occasions ; 
foin in the labors of the field and in mirth and conviviality. 
But these practices are now almost extinct ; every thing is 
nea;lected for the culture of cotton. The considerations of 
comfort are made to yield to our cupidity and avarice ; & 
starving population at present admonishes us of our wretch- 
ed system of agriculture. 

The produce of our lands per acre may be rated at an 
average as follows: cotton 500 pounds, corn 17 bushels, 
wheat 13 bushels per acre. 

The northern boundary of this district i» about the line 
where the long leaf pine first makes its appearance. In the 
winter season, after passing the Fairfield district line, de- 
scending the country, a new scenery is presented ; the face 
of nature is changed ; there appears a sudden transition from 
the gloom of winter to the more gay and lively appearance 
of spring. 

The upper section of this district presents every where a 
broken undulating surface, a regular succession of hills, and 
deep valleys., impervious to the rays of the sun. 

The price of land has heretofore corresponded with the 
price of the staple commodity of the state in the European 
market, and has been in some measure subject to the same 
fluctuation. It may now be rated thus : The low lands on 
the river, $20 per acre ; good uplands, SIO per acre ; 
secondary quality of oak and hickory, or good pine land, 
^5 ; for inferior pine land, $2 per acre ; the average price of 
which would be about S9 per acre. The a v- rage price of 
gram and other provisions, for the last ten years, may be 
estimated thus: wheat, S! per bushel; Indian corn, 80 
(^.ents : oats, 50 cents ; pork, $5 per hundred ; butcher's 
beef, 4 cents per pound. 

The swamp lands on the Congaree river are more exten- 



698 

sive than those on Wateree. From Granly to M^Cord's 
ferry, (a distance of 28 miles,) they would nearly average 
four miles wide, and estimated to contain about 50,000 
acres. Those on Wateree are (on the Richland side) very 
limited in width, until you get up to Pine biufif, whence to 
Raglin's creek they would average two miles wide. The 
courses of both rivers are very circuitous: in some places 
making a sweep of several miles, and returning to within 
two or three hundred yards of the point of starting. Though 
the distance to the mouth of Wateree irom Columbia, in a 
straight line, is less than 30 miles, the sinuosities of the 
river make it near 60 miles. 

Besides cotton and corn, the soil and climate of Richland 
are favourable to a great variety of rich plants ; such as rice, 
indigo, wheat, rye, barley, oats, tobacco, hops, castor oil, 
and madder ; besides the vine and all the various esculent 
vegetables. 

DISTUICT TOWN — VILLAGES. 

Columbia, the seat of government of the state, is situate 
in Richland district, and is made also the seat of its courts. 
It lies in latitude 33° 57' N. on the east bank of CongareC; 
just below tlie confluence of the Broad and Saluda rivers. 
Tl\e site of the town is high, beautiful, and commanding , 
elevated on a plain, upwards of two hundred feet above the 
river. It is regularly laid out in squares, containing four 
acres each, divided by spacious streets, 100 feet wide, and 
in a few cases, 150 feet wide. The whole area covered by 
the plan of the town includes upwards of 2,500 acres, being 
two miles square. 

The great tails of Congaree river begin at the upper end 
of the town, and terminate a little below the lower end ; the 
pitch in this distance is 36 feet. To enable the boats to 
overcome this obstruction, a canal and four locks are con- 
structed. Where the greatest falls are the river is six 



699 

hundred yards wide; but by the lime it reaches Granly^ 
(only 2i miles below,) it is reduced to less than three hun- 
dred yards. 

Columbia was laid out and incorporated in 17S7, The 
legislature first met here in 1790. '■ 

The town is governed by an intendant and wardens, who 
are elected annually by the citizens, and form the counciL 
The population has increased very rapidly, particularly 
within the last five years. A considerable accession is year* 
ly made, from the circumstance of the commercial, literaryj 
and social advantages of the place. It has engrossed much 
of the trade which King-street, in Charleston, formerly en- 
joyed ; the produce of the back country stopping here, to be 
transported by water to that city, instead of proceeding, as 
formerly, by land. Several of the King-street merchants 
have removed to, or established houses in Columbia ; some 
also from the upper country and the northern states. Gro- 
ceries and dry goods are now purchased in Columbia, on as 
reasonable terms as in Charleston. 

The population of this place has been lately ascertained 
to be 4000 ; — the number of houses is about 500 ; many of 
them handsome. The stores erected since the late fires are 
mostly built of brick, three stories high. 

A board of health has been lately organized here, which 
makes a weekly return of the deaths that occur in the town/ 
This information has been long vv'anted, in order to show 
the comparative health of this with other towns ; and, with- 
out exaggeration, it may be stated to enjoy equal health, in 
proportion to its population, with any place in the United 
States. 

By law, billiards, and all kind of gambling tables, are pro* 

/^' Colonel Thomas Ta3'Ior Was the first person who, with his fami- 
jji settled within the space now covered by the plan of Columbia. 
He is still living-, at the advanced age of 83 years= 



hirbited, within fifteen miles of Columbia, The beneficial 
effects of this are evident in the moral habits of the citizens 
generally ; and it is all important, on account of the num- 
ber of youth educating at the public institutions in the place. 

The soil upon which Columbia stands is remarkably pc- 
reus, and from its great elevation above the river, is capa- 
ble of being perfectly drained. The health of the place 
might have been better secured than it is, if measures had 
been early taken to have preserved the growth of the na- 
tive treeSj which intervened between the built part of the 
town and the river. Their destruction has opened a free 
communication between the two, and just upon the brow 
of the hill the inhabitants are subject to bilious remittent 
fevers. The thermometer, during the spring and summer 
months, ranges between 53° and 96°; and in winter, from 
25° to 30°. The quantity of water which falls in rains, is 
about 43-2 inches per annum,* 

The State-house is a temporary building of wood, neat 
in its general appearance, and commodious. It produces a 
good effect when approached from the river, being situate 
upon the brow of the hill. The several public offices oc- 
cupy the basement story of this building, which is of brick, 
including a branch of the bank of the state. The legisla- 
ture have it in contemplation to erect a permanent capitol 

* It is much to be regretted that no attention was paid, in laying 
out this town, to preserve the range of trees on the streets and pubhc 
squares, particularly between the river and the improved parts. The 
same error was unfortunately committed in the city of Washington. 
iNot only the beauty of the place, but the health and comfort of the 
inhabitants, would have been improved by it. The hill upon which 
Columbia stands, is said to have been once covered with a large 
growth of oak, hickory, and pine, A few solitary evidences of the 
fact are still to be seen opposite the state-house, to remind the citi- 
zens of v^hat they have lost by this neglect. It is important that 
early measures should be taken to plant double rows of trees in afi 
the streets, particularly in those running pcrallel with the river, be 
low the hill 



701 

and governor's house ; (for the latter a fund is ah'eady pro- 
vided ;) but have deferred their execution for the present, 
on account of the large expenditures yet requisite to com- 
plete the public works, connected with internal improve- 
ment. As the heaviest expense on these has already been 
incurred, it is presumed provision will soon be made for 
erecting a new government house ; one which, in its design 
and execution, should be both permanent and creditable to 
the state. Abundance of the finest materials can be procur- 
ed in the neighborhood, and workmen of approved capacity. 

The South Carolina College is located in Columbia. It 
was established by act of the legislature, in December, 
1801, and in 1S04 it went into operation : 8200,000 have 
been expended in the erection of the requisite buildings, 
composed of two ranges, three stories high, appropriated 
for the students' dormitories, studies, lecture room, and 
chapel ; a president's house, four professors' houses, besides 
a large building, embracing a laboratory, library, lecture 
and mineralogical rooms — all of brick. There are, also, a 
steward's house, refectory, and an octagon observatory ; 
the whole disposed so as to form a hollow square, contain- 
ing about ten acres, which is called the Campus. The whole 
premises occupy altogether about twenty-five acres of 
ground. 

The first president of this institution, Dr. Jonathan 
Maxcy, was elected by the trustees to his responsible charge 
in 1804, and died in 1830. His memory is highly cherish- 
ed ; and, in commemoration of his worth and talents, a 
marble monument has been erected to his memory in the 
campus. 

Dr. Cooper, whose talents in every branch of science and 
literature, are so well known, and highly appreciated, is the 
sucxiessor of Dr. Maxcy. Associated with him are five pro- 
fessors. Park, Henry, Wallace, Nolt, and Vanuxem, aided 
by two tutors, Baker and Divez's. 



702 

The salaries of these officers amount to fourteen thousatK^ 
dollars per annum. 

The President receives ^3000 

Four Pj ofpssors ^2000 each 8000 

The Professor of Mineralogy 1000 

Two Tutors each ^1000 2000 



$ \ 4,000 

To this must be added ^'500, allowed yearly the profess- 
or of iTiineralogy to make a mineralogical examination of the 
state. 

The legislature granted also ^10,000 for the purchase 
of a library and a philosophical apparatus, and ^3000 for a 
mineralogical cabinet, which contains 5000 specimens and 
upwards. It also presented the observatory with an ex- 
cellent astronomical circle. 

The number of students v/ill average one hundred and 
ten or tv^^enty. It sometimes exceeds this, and is increasing. 
There is no institution of the kind in the United States 
that possesses more able professors, or a better apparatus to 
exemplify the different subjects of natural philosoph}', che- 
mistry, mineralogy, &c. 

Two academies for educating male and female youthy 
have been endowed here by the state, which redound high- 
ly to its honor. The latter institution has particularly en- 
joyed its fostering care. A large handsome building was 
erected a few years ago out of the fund appropriated by the 
state, and the trustees, immediately on its completion, ap- 
pointed Dr. E. Marks and lady to take charge of the institu- 
tion ; under their care it has ever been increasing, both in 
the number of its pupils, and in its literary reputation ; and 
esteemed also for its judicious discipline. The present 
number of pupils is 110, of v/hom 45 are boarders, 
most of them from a distance, even as far as Alabama. The 
building is so arranged as to afford, besides two large rooms 
for school eserciseS; a spacious refectory and three parlors , 



703 

itprovides also for a number of dormitories, sufficient to ac- 
commodate 70 young ladies ; additional buildings have 
been' lately erected for the teachers, &c. The price of tui- 
tion is from 175 to ^200 per annum, including boarding ; ex- 
clusive of this, from 24 to ^48, according to the nature of 
the studies. 

The branches taught are, orthography, reading, arith» 
metic, grammar, ancient and modern geography, and as- 
tronomy, general and particular history, rhetoric, composi- 
tion, natural and moral philosophy, logic, belles lettres, 
and the use of the globes ; besides Latin, French, music, 
drawing, and plain and ornamental needlework. The in- 
stitution is amply provided with the most approved globes, 
maps, diagrams, and philosophical apparatus, necessar37- for 
illustrating the elementary principles of the science taught. 

There is another institution in Columbia for the instruc- 
tion of female youth, which is equally worthy of public pat- 
ronage with the one already mentioned. It is conducted by 
a ladyof high literary acquirements, and of the first respect- 
ability — Miss Blackburn, the daughter of the late eminent 
professor Blackburn."* 

This institution now contains f>0 pupils, 30 of whom are 
from a distance. The branches taught here are orthography, 
reading, writing, grammar, arithmetic, derivations, ancient 
and modern geographj^, elemeritary astronomy, use of the 
globes and maps, rhetoric, composition, log-ie, natural and 
moral philosophy, belles lettres, ancient and modern his- 
tory, besides music, French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, draw- 
ing, and painting, painting on velvet, plain and fancy 
%vork, &G. 

The prices of tuition arc from 6 to $12 per quarter, ac- 

/'' Formerly professor of mathematics in Willam and Mary's collego 
in Virginia, the South Carolina coll.'^,':jo inthir< stat<^, and the Asberrj 
aollepT in Maryland. 



704 

cording to the branches required to be taught ; boarding 1 75 
to ^200 per annum.* 

Within the present year, another seminary of learning 
for females has been instituted here, under the charge of 
Mrs. Edmonds, whose qualifications are of the highest 
standing. There is every promise that this will be a per- 
manent institution. 

The academy for male youth was established first as a 
grammar school, in which the Greek and Latin languages 
were taught. It commenced its operations in January, 
1798, under the superintendence of A. Blanding, as prin- 
cipal, and is now a flourishing institution, under the charge 
of Mr. Edmonds, from the Chesterville academy, assisted 
by Mr. Knox. 

Besides the literary institutions above mentioned, there 
are several schools here, in which are taught the rudiments 
of a liberal English education. No place in the Union is 
more highly favored in the means of literary instruction 
than Columbia. 

The Asylum for lunatic persons is another of those in- 
stitutions established by the liberality of the state, in this 
place. 

The building is now nearly finished, and probably will 
soon go into operation. The design of it is both novel and 
convenient. It combines elegance with permanence, eco- 
nomy, and security from fire. The rooms are vaulted with 
brick, and the roof covered with copper. The building is 
large enough to accommodate upwards of 120 patients, be- 
sides furnishing spacious corridors, hospitals, refeciories^ 

* The Christian dispensation recognises no distinction, in point of 
mental rights, between the sexes; and certainly, upon the grounds 
of reason, propriety, and expediency, the education of the woman is 
equally important with that of the man ; nay, if a distinction must be 
made, it ought to favor the female side. Woman is the nurse and 
guardian of our sons and daughters, and therefore ought to possess 
an education suited to the responsibility of her oifices. 



a medical hall, several parlours, keepers' apartments, kitch- 
ens, and sundry offices. The whole is surrounded by a 
lofty enclosure. The cost of the whole is considerably within 
^100,000. Similar buildings executed at the north and in 
England, of equal accommodations, yet not made fire-proof, 
have exceeded this sum. 

The facade of this Asylum presents a centre and two 
wings. The centre rises above the wings, and is crowned 
with a large cupola, opened all round with sashed windows, 
which serve the purpose of a ventilator to the hospital 
story. 

The entrance to the centre building is under a grand por- 
tico of six massy Greek Doric columns, four feet in diame- 
ter, elevated on an open arcade, and rising the entire height 
of the wing buildings ; the whole surmounted by a pedi- 
ment. Only two sections of the wings are now built, one 
on each side. These, with the centre, being considered 
sufficient to answer the present demands of the country. 
The design, however, is such, that, without disturbing its 
symmetr}', any additional accommodations may be made. 
The plan, when completed, according to the original de- 
signs, will sweep a semicircle, or horse-shoe figure, and 
enclose a spacious court to the south. 

The other public works, executed here; consist of a canal 
snd four locks, constructed to overcome the great falls of 
the Congaree river, opposite ihe town. These are of con- 
siderable importance to the country trade, as well as to that 
of Columbia. These locks are the largest in the state, being 
16 feet wide, and 100 feet long in their chamber, with u 
lift of each of about 9 feet. The largest bay boats are now 
able by them to ascend into the town. 

A dam is thi^own across the Broad river, at the upper edge' 
of the town, and by a guard-lock is connected with ihe ca- 
nal. This dam serves also to join this last canal with that 
of the Saluda, by which the trade of both rivers centre? 
first at the seat of governnnient. 



706 



m 



Columbia is amply supplied with spring water, which is 
forced up by a steam power 120 feet, from springs issuing 
from a valley between the town and river. It is distributed 
through the principal streets in cast-iron pipes, and then 
conveyed to families from these main conduitSj in leaden 
pipes. This is the work of cur enterprising citizen, Col. 
Abraham Blanding. The steam engine is on Watt and Bal- 
ton's plan, and was constructed by Messrs. Galloway and 
Bowman, of Manchester, England. It is of beautiful 
construction, and Works with great ease and effect. The 
surplus power is applied to the grinding of wheat and In- 
dian Corn. 

Contiguous to the engine house are public baths, suppli- 
ed with both hot and cold water from the engine. On the 
other side of the valley is another bathing establishment, 
fed by a natural spring, rising near by. These baths prove 
a great luxury to the inhabitants, many of whom make use 
of them. 

There are five religious denominations in Columbia. 
The Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, 
and Roman Catholics, whose comparative numbers are 
in the order named. The last have been lately formed 
into a society, and are now erecting a handsome brick 
church in the form of a cross ; with a tower and spire 
in front ; in the Gothic style .of architecture. The Pres- 
byterian and Episcopal churches are neat wooden build- 
ings ; the latter in the form of a cross. The Metliodist 
church is also built of wood. The Baptist is the only 
one erected of brick. In the graveyards of tlie Presby- 
terian and Episcopal churches, are some handsome mar- 
ble monuments. 

A Pottersfield for the burial of strangers, is provided a 
few squares from the river bank, which is also ornamented 
with several monuments. 

The court-house and jail do not correspond in tbeir ap- 
pearance with the other buildings. Tiie importance of the 



T01 

judicial business iiere, ought to induce the erection of more 
spacious and permanent buildings. 

The town-hall has a respectable facade, and an excellent 
clocky which ornaments the belfry croxvning the roof. 
The markets are held under the town halL 

The free-masons have erected a building here for their 
accommodationj which contains a handsome hall^ of a pe- 
Guliar form, adapted to the order. 

A society for the encouragement of industry among the 
female poor, was formed here by some ladies, two years 
ago ; and has, according to its limited means, been of much 
service to this unfortunate class of the community. 

An apprentices' library society is now organizing in 
Columbia, and from the number and respectability of the 
mechanics resident in it, under whom are placed many 
white apprentices : the institution promises great iiseful- 
ness» 

Two circulating libraries are also to be found here, be- 
sides the college library, and that attached to the state- 
house. 

It is worthy of record, that in Columbia the first book- 
store in the state (out of Charleston) was established. l£ 
originated with Messrs. Morgan and Guiry, and is the 
same now conducted by Joseph R. Arthur, 

The progress of literature in the upper country, has been 
so rapid within a few years, as to justify the establishment 
of another bookstore, which ,is in successful operation. 
These stores furnish as choice a selection of literary, scien- 
tific, and professional works, as could be selected even in 
Charleston. 

The markets of Columbia are improving, though yet 
very deficient, especially in the spring and summer. So 
many families had gardens, that originally little encourage- 
snent was given to supply the market with vegetables. 
The great demand now, Jiowever, for these^ has induced 



708 

several to turn their attention this way. The meat and 
lish markets are in general defective, though the neigh- 
bouring waters abound in fine fish, and the country is fa- 
vorable for raising cattle, sheepa goats, hogs, &c. The 
price of poultry on an average, is, for fowls 2 dollars per 
dozen ; geese 1 dollar, ducks 50 to 75 cents, turkeys ^1 
75 a pair. Beef is from 6 to 10 cents a pound, mutton 
12i cents, pork 5 to 10 cents : servants' wages from 6 to 
10 dollars a month : house rents, especially stores, are 
high, and offer strong inducements to capitalists to erect 
suitable buildings. The price of boarding is very moder» 
ate, from 4 to 6 dollars, for permanent boarders, per 
weekj in the most respectable taverns and private families. 
Two or three spacious and elegant inns have been erect- 
ed here within a few years, which are equal to any in the 
state for accommodation. 

A large edifice was built in Columbia some years ago^ 
for a theatre, which has occasionally been used for that 
purpose ; but neither the population, nor habits of the 
place, are of a description to countenance such an estab- 
lishment. 

The commerce of Columbia has been yearly increas- 
ing since its foundation. It is computed that not less thani 
30,000 bales of cotton are annually exported from this to 
Charleston, equal to 10,000,000 of pounds, valued at 
1^500,000 dollars. Two steam-boats have generally been 
employed to transport this cotton, besides a number of 
bay and canal boats ; all of which return with full freight ; 
the amount of which now is equal to 5000 tons. This 
will give an idea of the business transacted in this town. 

A work of considerable importance to Columbia and the 
country at large, is now executing here, namely, the bridge 
over the Congaree river, opposite the middle of the town. 
This work has every appearance of being very substantial. 
The piers and abutments (fourteen in number) are all built 
of solid granite, in large blocks, and raised SS feet above the 



709 

hed of the river. These piers support twelve arches Oi 
timber, framed together in the most workmanlike manner? 
and prepared for a roof, so that the timber will be protected 
from the weather. The carriage way to the bridge exceeds 
1350 feet in length ; the river is about 1300 feet wide ; its 
bed a solid rock. 

This bridge is built on shares, all taken up in Columbiaj, 
and is estimated to cost ^75,000. An act of the legislature 
has been passed authorizing the erection of a bridge over 
Broad river, two miles above the town ; which will proba- 
bly be carried into execution in the course of the comiog 
3'^ear. 

There is no place in the United States that possesses bet- 
ter materials for building, and where these are more convex 
nient, or in greater abundance, than in Columbia. The low 
grounds furnish the finest clay for making brick ; the valleys 
contiguous to the river and town are filled with inexhaustible 
bodies of the most solid and beautiful granite ; and the coun- 
try adjacent, with the best of pine, poplar, and other timber. 
As a substitute for marble, (in ornamental works,) there is a 
handsome white freestone quarry, within 12 or 14 miles of 
the town. Some of this stone becomes remarkably hard 
after being taken out of the quarry. The houses erected in 
Columbia furnish the best evidence of these facts ; and also 
of the capacity of the mechanics. There is one important 
material which this town is deficient in- — stone lime. The 
citizens have now to send either to Charleston for a supply 
or to procure it on Broad river, in Spartanburg or York 
districts ; where it is very abundant. These districts will 
no doubt eventually furnish Columbia with this indispensa- 
ble article in building, &c, as soon as the demand shall be 
steady. On the plea of necessity the inhabitants have 
hitherto used the natural clay, dug on the spot, for mortar. 
Buidings erected with it are by no means of a permanent 
character, as this material possesses no binding qualities 
with the brick. 



710 

Four stage coaches run from this place ; one to Charlestou 
three times a week ; one to Augusta, three times a week ; 
one to Camden, three times a week ; and one to Greenville^ 
once a week ; from whence it is contemplated soon to ex- 
tend the line so as to intersect the great western route run- 
ning through Knoxville. 

VILLAGES. 

The watering places in the district may perhaps come 
under this denomination. The most noted of these are the 
Rice creek springs, situate on the south side of the creek of 
the same name, fifteen miles from Columbia. It is the resort 
in summer of muoli respectable company ; besides the cot- 
tages of the citizens and planters, there is an excellent pub- 
lic house. The springs yield abundance of the finest water, 
and the place, from its great elevation, is remarkably dry^ 
salubrious, and cool. It is no uncommon circumstance for 
a blanket to be used here during the summer nights. 

Lightwood Knot spring is a small settlement for recrea- 
tion and health. The waters are clear and pleasant. It is 
situate at the head of a lateral branch of Jackson's creek, 
six miles from Columbia, 

Minervaville has been long the seat of an academy ; and 
is resorted to in summer by the planters near the swamps 
for health. 

The sand ridges in the district are very cool in summer^ 
and furnish numerous natural springs of excellent water. 
Many of the citizens of Columbia are tempted, from this 
circumstance, to visit them during the hot months, as here 
they enjoy the shade of the forest trees, whilst in Columbia 
they are subject to the almost unsheltered beams of a burn- 
ing sun. 

RIVERS, CREEKS, AND LAKES. 

Richland is bounded by three noble streams : the Conga- 
ree, Broad, and Wateree rivers ; all navigable the whole 

extent of the district. 



71 i 

The Congaree and Wateree are navigable to Columbia 
and Camden for steamboats ; but those most used on them 
are the bay craft (which pass round by Bull's bay to 
Charleston) and canal boats, which pass through the Santee 
canal. The former carry 250 bales of cotton, or 40 tons | 
the latter, which are principally used, from 100 to 120 bales 
of cotton, or SO tons. The Broad river, above Columbia^ 
is navigated principally by large batteaux, called mountain 
boats, of about ten or twelve tons burden. In the shoals 
they are usually loaded with 35 or 40 bales of cotton, and 
in smooth water, with about 70 bales. 

The above are the only navigable streams in the district ; 
but innumerable creeks water it in every direction, and 
furnish some good land on their margins, in the midst of 
the sand hills. The principal of these are Little, Upper, 
Cedar, Cane, Rice, Gill's, Colonel's, Tom's, Mill, Speer's, 
Lower Cedar, Kinsler's; besides a number of minor branches^ 

The most noted water-courses in the upper part of this 
district are Little river, Cedar and Cane creeks. Little 
river takes its rise in a mountainous part of Fairfield ; its 
waters are hurried into Broad river with irresistible forcCo 
It enters the river at right angles near the boundary line of 
the two districts. When full it defies the opposing current 
of the latter stream, and runs ath%vart it. These waters, 
upon meeting, appear for a moment to have no affinity or 
attraction for each other. 

Cedar creek originates in Fairfield district, ^and passes 
through an adjacent range of fertile hills, which overlook 
the stream, and appear arrayed in opposition. The cedar 
tree is common on these hills, and has given name to the 
creek. 

Cane creek originates in this district, and meanders its 
whole course through a poor broken country of long leaf 
jyine. This creek affords in places extensive flats of low 
grounds, but the lowness of its banks subjects those to fre- 
quent inundations. This land would not be productive, if 



712 

even freed from inundations, as it consists of adhesive pipe 
clay, without a particle of sand or vegetable matter. 

The great rivers are bordered with a rich alluvial soil, of 
unknown depth, inexhaustible, and productive in the high- 
est degree. They are considerably elevated above the river 
in common waters ; but where not banked in, are subject to 
be flooded during high freshets. The Congaree, as before 
remarked, possesses the greatest extent of these rich allu- 
vial lands. They begin just at the foot of the great falls at 
Granly, and gradually widen down to the junction of the 
Wateree ; so as in some places to be four miles broad. The 
lands on Wateree are equally productive ; but their width 
on the Richland side of the river is somewhat limited. 

These richlow grounds are owned by gentlemen whose 
agricultural skill and exertions are, perhaps, not exceed- 
ed by any in the southern states. 

There is a remarkable ridge of sand hills that skirts the 
upper end of the low lands on Wateree ; which are very 
elevated, and may be seen at a great distance. 

Above the falls of Columbia the Broad river is studded 
with many beautiful islands. Several of these are immedi- 
ately opposite the town, and present an agreeable relief to 
the eye amid the roar of waterfalls. During the stillness 
of night these falls are very distinctly heard in the town ; 
and produce an effect upon the ear resembling the ^'murmurs 
of ocean on its sounding shores.^' . 

CLIMATE DISEASES— LONGEVITY. 

Taken in the aggregate, there is not a more healthy re- 
gion in the world, than that in which Richland is situate. 
Immediately on leaving the rich low lands of the river^ 
you rise a great elevation of country, made up of a loose, 
porous soil, broken into hills, well drained, and covered 
with the resinous pine, and astringent black jack or dwarf 
oak. The finest springs of water gush out at the foot of 



713 

these sand hiiis, and furnish the coolest and most whole- 
some beverage to allay the thirst. Diseases in these situa= 
tions are rare, and when they do occurjthey are by no means 
of a malignant character. Along the margin of the river low 
grounds, and in the vicinity of the swamps, bilious remit- 
tent fevers occur in the fall, and require active medicines 
to remove them. Epidemical diseases occur very seldom. 
Instances of longevity are by no means rare in this dis- 
trict, 

TIMBER TREES™ FRUIT TREES, 

The long leaf pine is found in abundance here ; besides 
several species of oak, hickory,, red bay, dogwood^ elder^ 
elm, locust, persimmon, poplar, sassafras, &c. 

The woods furnish several species of native grapes, the foxj, 
summer, winter, and muscadine ; their fruit is moderately 
grateful, and no doubt will, some day, form, the stock upon 
which the imported grape vine will be grafted, whenever 
we shall succeed in raising this refreshing fruit. 

The fig has been naturalized here, and affords generally 
two crops in the year, not often failing. The common 
and crab apple, peach, apricot, nectarine, egg plum, dam- 
son, morilla and wild cherry, garden grape, raspberries^ 
strawberries, &c. all flourish in the gardens. 

The foreign and other trees and vegetables naturalized in 
the district are, the weeping willow, melia zedaracha, or 
pride of India, palma-christi, or castor oil plant, Lombard y 
poplar, catalpa, bene oil nut, hop, ochra, melons of the 
various kinds, pumpkins; squashes, cucumbers, Irish and 
sweet potatoes, ground-nuts, turnips, skillions, carrots^ 
onions, parsnips, tomatos, pease, beans, &c. 

The ornamental shrubs are, the rosa multiflora, nonde- 
s^sript perpetual rose, moss rose, hydrangia, gardenia, the 
Spanish bayonet (a species of dwarf palmetto)^ hyacinthSj 



714 

jassaniift, honeysuckle, several kinds of elegant nnmosaj 
the varnish trecy and a variety of others. 

Of the medicinal plantSj, there are. the wild and water 
hoarhound, horsemint, pokeroot weed, May apple, laurus 
sassafras, queen's delight (a powerful cleanser of the blood), 
and last, though not least, the common and despised datura 
stramonium or Jamestown weed (a most powerful medi- 
cine in epilepsy) ; and prepared in the form of an oint- 
ment, has an anodyne effect, when applied to pains on or 
near the surface of the body. An application of the leaves 
frequently produces the same result. 

The castor oil tree has been propagated here with great 
success, and yields from 100 to 150 gallons of oil to. the 
acre, the oil, cold expressed, is equal in effect to the import- 
ed castor oil. 

The bene plant grows here very luxuriantly ; the seeds 
furnish an excellent oil for salads, and every other purpose 
for which olive oil is used. Parched, it makes a good sub- 
stitute for coffee ; and an infusion of the leaves in water 
produces a gelatinous drink, highly recommended in bowel 
complaints, 

FISH— GAME— BIRDS, 

In tlieir season, large quantities of fine shad and sturgeon 
are caught in the Congaree and Wateree rivers. At all 
times, there are the trout, sucker, redhorse, catfish, bream, 
perch, &c. Of game, there are, occasionally, the deer, fox, 
rabbit, squirrel, and muskrat 5 and of birds, the wild turkey, 
wild goose, wild pigeon, in season ; woodcocks, partridges^ 
doves, robins, woodpeckers, crows, hawks, owl, Vi^hip- 
poor-will, &c. 

The singing birds are, the mocking, red-bird, thrush,, 
oriol, blue-birdj cat-bird, &c. 

EDUCATIO^^ 
Under the head of Towns^ this subject has been partica- 



715 

kriy noticed. In addition to the institutions already men- 
iioned, there are, in several parts of the district, free-schools 
established, in which the children of the poor are educated, 
at the expense of the slate. The returns of the commission- 
ers of these schools, in 1823, exhibited 245 pupils under 
tuition ; in 1824, 121 ; in 1S25, 132. The expense in the 
two first j^earsj amounted to ,^1,504 70. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Under this head must be recorded the names of those pa- 
triots who dared to espouse the cause of liberty, in the 
perilous times of the revolution, which truly "tried mens* 
souls." Those who still survive the wreck of nature here^ 
are, Col. Thomas Taylor, Gen. Wade Hampton, Judge 
Henry W. Dessaussure, who preferred being immured in 
the dungeon of a prison-ship, rather than abandon the prin- 
ciples of independence he had espoused ; Robert Starke, 
J. Patridge, .1. Pearce, and William Miller. 

Col. Taylor contributed, by his good conduct, to the suc- 
cess of the battle at Fishdam ford. Anticipating an attempt 
at surprise by the enemy, Colonel (then Captain) Taylor 
so disposed the men under his command, (only thirty-seven 
in number,) that, in case of an alarm, they should not be 
taken unawares, but be ready to receive the enemy without 
being seen by them. The event turned out as vvas antici- 
pated ; the main body of our troops being dispersed, by the 
sudden charge of the British, under Major Weyms, before 
daylight the latter boldy advanced, in conscious security, to 
where Capt. Taylor, with his men, were stationed ; (behind 
their fires, which secured them from being observed ;) the 
enemy were allowed to come within point blank shot be- 
fore the word was given to " fire." No sooner, however, 
was this done, than it was executed to a man, when Capt. 
Taylor's little band immediately leaped their fires, and 
charged. The enemy, on receiving this unexpected shocks 

T T 3 



716 

gave but one fire, and fled ; t^venty-seven of them were 
killed and wounded, and a number taken prisoners. Our 
loss was only one killed, and eio;ht wounded. Maj. Wpyms' 
was taken prisoner in a lofic house, where he had been con- 
veyed by his troops after being wounded. 

The unceasino; vigilance and bravery of this gallant offi- 
cer, on another occasion, kept the garrison at Fort Granly 
in continual alarm, so that they were upon the point of be- 
ing literally starved out ; and, at this critical juncture, Col. 
Lee arrived, who supplied Col. Taylor with a cannon. The 
first fire brought the comniaider of the fort, Maj. Maxwell, 
to immediate t^rms. He cipitulated, and this important 
post, with 350 men, a great part of whom were royal mili- 
tia, fell into our hands. 

As Col. Taylor was, during the greater part of the war. 
with Gen. Sumter, he partook in most of the battles fought 
by this enterprising officer, and shared in the honors woa 
by him for his country.* 

General Hampton held a Lieut. Colonel's commission at 
the battle of the Eutaws, and on the fall of Col. Hender- 
son, (who was wounded very early in the action,) boldly 
led on the state troops to a very spirited and successful 
charge, in which he took upwards of one hundred prison- 
ers. Col. Hampton was an acliye, enterprising officer, and 
distinguished himself on several other occasions.! 

* Col. Taylor, in one of his expeditions in the low country, took 
that celebrated British officer, William Cunningham, prisoner. He 
was on the point of cutting him down, when he sued for quarter. 
What misery and distress would have been averted, if the sword had 
done its first office ! 

f We took occasion, in another part of this work, to speak of the 
eminent services of Colonel Henry Hampton, the brother of General 
Wade. His decease has just been announced; he died on the 3d of 
July last, at his residence (Sligo) in Missouri. Col. H. was engaged 
in all the military operations of the revolutionary war, in this state, 
from its commencement until the peace. At the battles of Eutaw 
and Camden, his conduct was t|iat of a brave and distinguished cffi- 



717 

Robert Starve, when but a boy, entered with enthusiasm 
into the service of this country, and persevered to the end 
in the great cause he had espoused. He was in several im- 
portant battles, namely, the baltle of King's mountain, bat- 
tle of Blacksfocks, battle of the Cowpens, and battle of 
Eutaws ; at which last battle he held an adjutant's com- 
jnission, under Lieut. Colonel Hammond, and with great 
bravery and success led on the charge which terminated so 
honorabl}^, and was charged with the prisoners taken by his 
regiment ; all of whom he delivered in safety to General 
Green. 

General John Pearson, who died in Fairfield, in ISIT, 
was a native of this district, and bore the character of a 
brave and skilful officer. He rose to the rank of Major in 
the militia, during the revolutionary struggle, and was found 
at the first dawn of independence in the ranks of his coun- 
try. After securing its rights, he was elected Colonel, and 
afterwards a Brigadier-General. Tiiis gentleman filled many 
civil offices with great credit to himself and benefit to his 
country. He was well educated and influential, and con- 
tributed, by his advice and example, to effisct much good to 
the community. 

Mr. Patridge was a zealous friend of his country, and 
Served as a volunteer in the revolutionary war. 

Mr. Pearce held a commission in the naval service, un- 
der the command of the celebrated Paul Jones. He vv^asin 
several severe engagements, and rendered important servi- 
ces to his country. 

Mr. Weston, of this district, also served his country with 
zeal and honoi-, during the revolutionary struggle. 

Mr. Miller was one of that galf-mt band which defended 
Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, only three of whom 
are now living. He was by the side of Sergeant Jasper 

cer. Col. H. was one of the gallant little band who united under 
Gen. Sumter, and made the firs;, success] al stand against the ravages 
of the British, in the upper country. 



718 

when the flag-staff was shot away, and was upon the point" 
of performing the same heroic act which has immortalized 
Jasper. 

Mr. Benjamin Waring was one of the earliest settlers of 
the town of Columbia, and contributed much, by his inge- 
nuity and public spirit, to its improvement. He was one of 
the principal promoiers of the male academy, and a great 
encourager of the useful arts. He established the first pa- 
per, oil, and grist mills here, and expressed from cotton 
seed a very good oil. He also cultivated the grape with 
success, and from it obtained some excellent wine.* Mr. 
Waring held the office of Treasurer of the state. 

NAMES OF PLACES INDIAN OR OTHERWISE. 

Faustsford, from the circumstance of its being the first 
fordable point on the Broad river, deserves notice. Prior 
to the establishment of ferries, this ford was much used j 
most of the public roads and paths led to it. The Catawba 
track is still to be seen. During the revolutionary war 
many a thief and plunderer stole along this track, who was 
seeking safety and a retreat in the western wilds. This 
ford derived its name from the first settler, Faust, who dis- 
covered it in the pm-suit of buffaloes and wild cattle. Those 
animals resorted here during summer, to feed upon the 
moss which the river affords. 

Below Faustsford an extensive range of lofty hills ap- 
proach the river ; on the ragged brow of one of which, is 
still visible the buffalo lick, which bears evident marks of 
having been a place of resort for this animal and other wild 
cattle. It is probable the buffaloes, like the aborigines of 
the country, fled soon after the appearance of the white po- 

* The subject of the grape has been lately successfully renewed 
here, under the indefatigable exertions of N. Herbermont, Esq., who 
has demonstrated, both theoretically and practically, the capacity of 
our sand hills to produce the grape. He has this season made up- 
wards of 150 gallons of good wine from his vinevard. 



% 



719 

pulation. The time of their departure cannot be conisctly 
asct-rtained. 

No Indian names are preserved in l|ie district, except 
those of the rivers Wateree and Congaree, which were de= 
rived from the tribes of Indians who originally resided on 
them. Some Indian mounds are yet to be seen in several 
places of the district. 

Indian antiquities are every where to be found, and 
moundsj regularly formed, of stone or earth, of a conical 
figure. 

ROCKS — GRANITE FREESTONE, &C. 

In the low grounds, above the falls, and on the banks of 
the Broad river, abundance of rock is found, of the granite 
kind chiefly. Some freestone is said to have been discovered 
in the neighboriiood of the Rice creek springs. The rocks 
most abundant are the flint or quartz ; slate, and a species 
of soapstone, are found in many places. In limestone the 
district is deficient, no calcareous matter having yet been 
discovered. It lies above the marine shell, and considera- 
bly below the compact limestone region Some masses of 
ironstone, indicative of the presence of iron ore, are to be 
seen in various places 5 but none so rich in ore as to merit- 
being worked. 

ROADS — -BRIDGES FERRIES. 

The roads in this district are generally good, except being 
sandy ; the streams are mostly bridged ; but these beiagoi 
wood, are subjf^ct lo get frequently out of order, to the 
great danger of the traveller. Too much attention cannot 
be paid to render these works secure, and make them of a 
pproianent character. Wherever practicable, bridges should 
be constructed of stone. 

The ferries are in pretty good order, tliough capable of 
much improvement. The bridges over Congaree and Broad 



720 






rivers, will, when finished, supersede the use of three fer- ''/'^ 
ries, very dangerous to cross in high freshets. 

POPULATION TAXES—REPRESENTATION. 

The population of this district, when the last census was 
^aken, amounted to 12,322 souls; of which 4,500 were 
whites ; 7,627 slaves, and 195 free blacks. The popula- 
tion has considerably increased within the last six years, 
especially the whites, and may be stated in round numbers, 
at L4,000. 

RicIUand pays in taxes to the state annually, between 12 
and ^13,000. It sends three representatives and one sena- 
tor to the legislature. 

STATE OF LITERATURE — THE ARTS — AGRICULTURE AIs'D 

MANUFACTURES. • 

From the principal literaiy institutions in the state be- 
ing established at Columbia, the literary standing of Rich- 
land is very respectable ; equal to any part of the stare. 
Science and art are making considerable progress at ihe 
seat of government ; and it p/omises to rival the com- 
mercial emporium of the state, in both. 

In agriculture there is yet great room for iir.provement, 
as the planting system prevails most extensively. The 
nature of the soil of this district, generally, requires ihat 
attention be paid to manuring, and husbanding its natural 
resources; particularlj'' its timber. 

In the year 181S, the South Carolina agricultural s ciety 
was formed in this district, and General Davie elected pre- 
sident. A laudable zeal for the promotiiUi of agricultu- 
ral knowledge and improvements v. as then excited and 
diffi;sed ; the dormant spirit of the agriculturist was roused ; 
but tht sj)irit now sh:mh?rs, or has departed with the 
spirit of the illustrious president : a fatal apathy prevail? 



721 

upon a subject connected with the best interests and pro.s- 
perity of the state. 

It hisjhiy merits ihe consideration of an enlightened le- 
gislature, whether a practical, as well as theoretical profess- 
orship of agriculture ought not to be attached to the college^ 
where our youth could be initiated into a correct know- 
ledge of the principles connected with the proper cuitiva^ 
lion of the earth. The result of such a study, reduced to 
actual practice in one public institution for the instruction 
of youth, coming from every part of the state, would be 
of the most beneficial nature ; particularly to the agricul- 
tural interests of the state. 
f- -In manufactures, except those of a domestic kind, this 
district has made no progress. In Columbia those me- 
chanical pursuits peculiar to towns are carried on to ad- 
vantage.- There are several excellent merchant mills in 
the district, capable of manufacturing the finest flourj and 
numerous saw and cotton gin mills. 

BIUMBER OP BLIND — DEAF AND DUMB — AND LUNATIC 
PERSONS. 

There are only two or three blind in the district, as 
many deaf and dumb, and four or five lunatic persons. 

NUMBER OP PAUPERS— EXPENSES OP SUPPORT — DISTIL- 
LERIES. 

There are few paupers in the district, separate from the 
town of Columbia, where the most of them are located. 
The facilities of procuring ahiis in a dense population, 
draw the poor into the neighborhood of all large towns 
or villages. The support of many transient poor, is be= 
coming a serious expense to the citizens of Columbia, and 
itjstice ref|uires that an extra fund should be provided 



f22 

by the legislature, for the exigencies of this as well as 
other pldCiTiS.* 

There is not known, at present, a single distillery in 
operation in the district : the distillation of spirituous 
liquors, has been long abandoned. 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES, 

The Presbyterians were the first religious society estab- 
lished in the district ; they erected a church on the banks 
of Cedar creek, anterior to the revolution. The Method- 
ists are the most numerous sect in the district. The Bap- 
tists form a respectable number, also the Episcopalians. 
The Roman Catholics have lately established a church 
in Columbia, and the Jews are forming themselves into s, 
j:'eligious society. 

WHAT irviPBOVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

One of the most obvious and necessary improvements 
required, appears in our buildii/gs, which from their slight 
and temporary nature become in the course of every tea 
years a heavy tax upon the inhabitants. Inattention to the 
permanent improvements of our farms not only depreciates 
tiieir value, but lessens our altachment to home, and induces 
habits of itinerancy, inimical to the moral and physical im- 
provement of our species. 

No part of the state offers stronger inducements to the 
industrious husbandman than this district ; arising from the 
constant demand for the productions of the soil, existing in 
the town of Columbia. There is nothing that he can raise 
hut can be disposed of to profit in that market. Yet little 
or no attention is paid to improve these advantages. It is 
presumed that the very low price of cotton now will induce 
more care in cultivating the grains and pulses. 

* On the subject of the poor, the reader is referred to a particular 
paper, under the head of" Miscellaneous," p. 325. 



728 

N. B. As some reference has been had already to the 
subject of pauperism, it will be unnecessary here to intro= 
duce any thing on this head. 

The subject of education is of the highest importance, and 
where this refers to the children of the poor a very great 
deficiency in the present system of free schools is manifest, 
and demands the serious consideration of an enlightened and 
liberal legislature. Until we join with the instructions of 
the head the instructions of the hand to labour, we shall 
never succeed in really benefitting the poor, and extinguish- 
ing pauperism in the country. It is from the idle habits in 
Avhich paupers bring up their children that we are in % 
great measure to account for the increasing of the evil of 
mendicity. Rear up the children of the poor in habits of 
industry and sobriety, at the same time that you enlighten 
their understandings, and you lay the foundation of a habit 
which will root out pauperism, and add immensely to the 
physical force of the state. Our free-school system there- 
fore should be founded on teaching the children of the poor 
habits of industry. Abundant time will be left for the im- 
provement of their mental faculties. Indeed, according t© 
the Pestalazzian system of education, their mental instruc- 
tion is simultaneous with, and intimately conjoined with 
their physical instruction, so that the labor enjoined, instead 
of a toil, is converted into a pleasure, as it partakes of a 
recreation. 

There is no plan of education better adapted to the in- 
struction of children, and specially the poor, than this under 
proper modifications'; and it would be well, both for the 
physical and mental powers of children of every class, if 
more attention were paid to engrafting it on the present 
system of the schools. 



V V 



724 ' 
SPARTANBURG. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT ORIGIN OF ITS NAME. 

This section of country was settled between 1750 and 
'60 ; but from its interior and exposed situation, it did not 
much increase in population until about 1770. The first 
settlers were from Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North 
Carolina : their dependence for support, in the first instance^ 
was on hunting, and the game was so abundant that no diffi- 
culty existed in this respect. 

The original name of half of this district was Craven 
county, of North Carolina. Afterwards it was included in 
Ninety-six district. The name of Spartanburg was given 
it after the revolutionary war. 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT, 

This district is situate in a high and healthy part of the 
state ; and forms its extreme northern boundary. The lands 
are undulating, and afford numberless springs oi the purest 
water. 

It is bounded on the north by a straight line, run in 1772, 
east and west, beginning from a point of Broad river, about 
one mile and a half above Sarratt's creek, and extending 
west S2| miles to a white oak on the east side of Black- 
stock's road, near the Tryon mountain, and which consti- 
tutes the end of the line run in 1772, designated by a stone 
marked S. C, which line divides it from the state of North 
Carolina ; on the west Uy a line running S. 2° E. 22 miles 
64 chains, or until it intersects the Enoree river, at a point 
at Abner's mill on said river ; thence down the Enoree river 
to a point about one mile and three quarters below Ander- 
son's bridge, (designating the corner of Greenville and 
Laurens,) which lines divide it from Greenville district ; 
OB the southwest by the Enoree river, down to a dead 



725 

Spanish oak, (below Head's ford, and a little above the 
mouth of a small creek,) which divides it from Laurens ; on 
the southeast by Union district, from which it is divided by 
the following lines : beginning at the dead Spanish oakj 
on the north side of Enores river, and running N= 12, E. 
3 miles 26 chams, thence N. 17, E. 2 miles 28 chains, 
thence N. 6i E. 11 miles 15 chains, crossing Tyger river 
to Fair forest creek, thence N. 33. 45. E. 6 miles 37 
chains to Pacolet river, a little below Gist's mill, and 
thence N. 29, E. 14 miles 4 chains, to a point on the west 
bank of Broad river, a little above the mouth of the Chero- 
kee creek ; and on the northeast by Broad river up to the 
point of beginning, which divides it from York district. 

The extent of Spartanburg district from north to south, 
averages 35 miles ; and from east to west, 30 miles ; giving 
an area equal to 672,000 square acres, 

NATUBE OF THK SOIL— ADAPTATION TO THE PARTICULAR 
PRODUCTS. 

The soil of this district rests generally on clay bottoms ; 
some of it is gravelly, and some stony, but free, suscepti- 
ble of improvement, and produces well. All kinds of grain 
are cultivated with success. The eastern and southern 
parts of it produce good cotton ; but not so near the moun- 
tains. Tobacco was raised in the district formerly to some 
extent ; but since the introduction of cotton, it has declined. 

The product of an acre of land varies according to situa= 
tion. The average of corn may be between 15 and 3@ bush- 
els ; but not so much of wheat and rye. The yield of 
cotton is from 150 to 200 pounds, after being cleaned from 
the seed. 

/ DISTRICT TOWN — VILLAGES DISPERSED. 

The village of Spartanburg is the seat of the courts of the 
district. It contains 26 houses, including three law offices. 



726 

one physician's, one saddler^s, one tailor's, and three biack= 
smith's shops. The population amounts to 800. A hand- 
some and substantial jail, built of granite and soapstone, has 
been just erected. The court-house looks very shabby 
alongside of it ; but an appropriation is made for the erec- 
tion of a new one, which will correspond to the demands 
and increasing improvement of the district. There are 
but three houses of public entertainment in the village, and 
a few of some note elsewhere, 

Cedarspring is a village that is growing into some im- 
portance. It has derived its name from a large cedar treey 
that formerly ornamented the banks of the spring ; and at 
present consists of a large Baptist meeting-house, nine small 
but decent dwelling-houses, laid out with regularity and 
facing the spring, (200 yards distant,) surrounded by a 
beautiful grove of oak and hickory trees, which afford a 
most delightful shade. A very select society is formed 
here, consisting of several respectable families. The census 
gives 35 whites. An academy is established here, which 
promises well. In it are taught the Latin and Greek lan<- 
guages, and mathematics, besides the usual course of English 
studies. During the summer much company resort here to 
enjoy the salubrity of the place, and to drink of the fine 
waters of the spring. This spring is about 50 feet in cir- 
cumference, and has three principal sources, which force 
their contents to the surface, and form a basin three feet 
deep. This water contains a small portion of lime. 

It forms a most delightful cold bath, and experience has 
proved it beneficial in cases of rheumatisms, agues and 
fevers, ulcers, &c. 

The known efficacy of the water, the beauty of the site, 
and of the surrounding landscape, offer powerful attractions 
to those who are seeking health and pleasure to visit it. 

The Pacolet springs are of considerable notoriety, and 
much visited in summer, so as to constitute a temporary 
Tillagec The spring lies on the south side, and near the 



727 

bank of Pacoiet riverj half a mile above its confluence with 
Lawson's fork. This spring is about 60 feet in circumfe- 
rence, and upwards of three feet deep ; affording rather 
more water than the Cedar springs. The water has been 
analysed, and found to contain some lime. 

They have effected relief in rheumatisms, agues and 
fevers, ulcers, &c. 

Opposite this spring, on the north side of the river, is 
another, equal in size, and the same in the quality of its 
water. From the owner it has been named Patterson's 
spring. 

There is another called the Limekiln spring, situate near 
Col. Nesbitt's quarry of limestone, in the northeast corner 
of the district, near Broad river ; which in size is equal to 
either of the before-mentioned springs. It is strongly im- 
pregnated with lime. 

Another spring, called the Sulphur spring, (from its sup- 
posed combination with this mineral,) is found on the south 
side of Fairforest creek, two miles distant, and eleven 
miles southeast of the court-house, on a branch called Sto- 
ry's creek.* 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

There are no lakes in this district ; but the streams are 
of a very peculiar character in point of location, all run- 
ning parallel, and some bf them, in several places, not a 
mile apart. 

Though this district has not yet the benefit of navigation, 
there is every prospect that it will, at no very distant pe- 
riod, possess all the advantages arising from this source. 
On that side vvhere the Broad river bounds the districtf a 
good navigation is now opened with the ocean, a little be- 
lo^ the line of the district. The Pacoiet has already a boat 

* Those desirous of knowing more of the analysis of these waters, 
niav refer to the head of Natural History of the state. 



728 

navigation up to its eastern boundary, though several ob- 
structions are in the way. The removal of these is esti- 
mated to cost, by sluicing, only ^600 ; but to preserve the 
mill seat, which now exists, cutting a short canal, and con- 
structing a lock, the expense would be about ^3000. This 
sura, however, is not to be put in comparison with the be- 
nefits which would result from the work, to the agricultu- 
ral interests of the district. It is earnestly to be hoped 
that the state will not leave so small a work undone, when 
such benefits are to accrue from it. The Pacolet is a fine 
river, and its navigation may be improved considerably 
further into the district, as also that of the Enoree. 

In this district exist the only considerable shoals that ob- 
struct the navigation of Broad river, for boats, into the very 
heart of the mountains. If these were removed, a few miles 
only would intervene between the navigable waters of the 
east and west. 

The Pacolet, in this district, divides into two main 
branches, called north and south Pacolet ; both having their 
source in the mountains. The latter sweeps a circle be- 
tween the Tryon and Mill Ross mountains. The next prin- 
cipal branch is Lawson's fork, which passes within a short 
distance of the court-house, and might be made to form the 
medium of a navigable communication between the village 
and the Pacolet. 

The Tyger river is divided into three principal branches: 
the south, north, and middle fork. Twenty miles above 
their junction, these three streams are scarcely three miles 
apart; and the two principal branches only one mile ; this 
is a remarkable feature in these waters. The Tyger river, 
to a certain extent, is said to be capable of being made na- 
vigable. Fairforest, Dutchman's, Ferguson, James, and 
Cane creeks, are branches of the Tygers j all of which 
are in this district. The other streams are Thicketty, Che» 
rokee, and Saratt's creeks ; feeders of Broad river. The 
vallevs of all these rivers aftbrd some extent of excellent 



729 

soil. The ridges between are poor, and very much brok- 
en. Several beautiful falls occur on these rivers. Those of 
Pacolet are a great curiosity. The waters are confined 
\vithin a narrow space in the rock, which, from its resem- 
blance, is called the trough ; this forms the whole bed of the 
river here. The length of it is about 100 yards, and the 
fall of the water about 15 feet in that distance. At the up- 
per end of the trough it is only 10 feet wide, and 16 feet 
deep. As it expands in width, it lessens to 4 or 5 feet in 
depth. Although the river here is from SO to 100 yards 
%vide, its whole current, at low water, is sometimes confin- 
ed to the narrow limits of this trough. The velocity of the 
waters is so great, that it is with difficulty the shad ascend 
it. Notwithstanding their rapidity, several boats have pass- 
ed with safety through this trough, and after descending to 
the union line, four miles below, taken in their freight, and 
proceeded to Charleston. 

This place, some years ago, was a great fishery, where 
the shad, trout, redhorse, rock, and cat-fish, were caught in 
abundance ; but few of these fish are now taken here. 

These falls furnish admirable mill-seats for manufacto- 
ries, forges, &c. ; but nothing of this kind has yet been at- 
tempted. 

The mountain shoals are another natural curiosity. These 
are on Enoree river ; the waters rush down a precipice 76 
feet in height, in a distance of only 24 chains, and form an 
interesting spectacle. 

VALUE OF LAND. 

This varies according to quality and improvement ; even 
in the same neighborhood the difference in the price of 
land will be as ten to one, 

/ 

TIMBER TREES---FRUIT TREES. 
The forests of Spartanburg are full of the white, red, and 



730 ■ 

Spanish oak. The pines are not scarce, and there is plenty 
of poplar, chesnut, black walnut, curled maple and wild 
cherry ; all of which are used in cabinet work, and prove 
a good substitute for mahogany. Besides these, there are 
various other trees common to this part of the state, with 
a few spruce-pine interspersed. 

The fruit trees are apples of the different kinds, peaches, 
quinces, cherries, plums, &c. The time of flowering is in 
May, 

EXPENSES OP LIVING PRICE OF PROVISIONS — OF LABOR 

MANUFACTURES. 

The price of corn varies from 37i cents to gl a bushel j 
wheat, from SI to ^1 35 ; pork from 5 to 6 cents a pound ; 
bacon, 121 cents, beef, 31. Boarding is from 50 to ^100 
per annum, and the common wages of laborers from S to 
ISIO per month. Coarse cottons and woollens, for common 
clothing, are manufactured in the district to some extent, 
and some for sale. Two cotton factories are established on 
Tyger river, which do very good business. Bar iron is 
made at Nesbitt's forge, on Tyger river, and at the furnace, 
north of the court-house. Immense quantities of hollow 
ware, cannon balls, screws for cotton packing, &c. have 
been cast at these places. 

CLIMATE— DISEASES— INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY. 

The climate of Spartanburg is temperate, pleasant, and 
healthy. It is not subject to any particular disease, though 
it is occasionally visited with nervous and bilious fevers. 
Colic and rheumatism are more common here than any 
other diseases. The principal instances of longevity are, 
Sarah Wells, deceased, 1815, aged 101 years; Charles 
Moore, (father of the late Major General Moore,) died 
aged 86 ; Ann Eads, deceased a few years ago, aged 104 ; 
John Burke attained 106 years before his death ; James 
Kean, now living in good health, 98 i his wife, (now de- 



73! 

ceased,) nearly attained the same age ; Reuben Matthias, 
died in 1821, aged 84 ; this was the first sickness (only 
three days) that he had ever experienced. He died with his 
teeth all perfect, and was an entire stranger to the tooth- 
ach ; Judith Bobo is now in her 9Sth year, and enjoys good 
health, visits her children often on foot, two or three miles 
distant ; Robert Jamieson, recently deceased, said to be 106 
or 7 ; Bayles Earle, Esq. now living, in fine health, in the 
89th year of his age. This gentleman was one of the first 
judges in this district under the county court system ; toge- 
ther with James Gordon, Esq, deceased, and Major Wm, 
Smith, now in his T^th year ; also Captain Wm. Youngj 
who acted as the first sheriff under that system ; Reuben 
Lawson recently died, upwards of 100 years old ; William 
Bishop died not long since, at the advanced age of 100 
years, 

STATE OF THE ROADS, BRIDGES, TAVERNS, &C. 

There are but few licensed taverns in the district The 
roads are in pretty good repair ; the principal crossing 
places at the rivers are bridged. The Tygers have six 
bridges crossing them ; Fairforest, three ; besides several 
across the south Pacolet. 

POPULATION— TAXES PAID, AND REPRESENTATION. 

The population is rapidly increasing, although emigra- 
tions to Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia, have been con- 
siderable. 

The census of 1820 gave to Spartanburg 1G,9S9 ; of 
which 13,655 were whites; 3,;50S slaves; and 26 free 
blacks. In 1800 there were 10,609 whites ; 1,467 slaves ; 
and 43 free blacks ; total, 12,122. 

The taxes of the district amount to ^4176 6Q. . 

There are four representatives and one senato?,, ■ 
X X S , .. . 



732 

FISH—GAME— BIRDS, MIGRATORY OR OTHERWISE. 

The principal kinds of fish have been already noticed ifA 
speaking of the Trough shoals of Pacolet. With regard to 
birds, there are not many of note here. The crow is & 
native, and a great enemy to the corn planters in the spring. 
There are several kinds of hawk, the great and small owl, 
the turtle dove, quail, (improperly called the partridge,} 
and sparrow ; besides a number of others common to this 
part of the state; a few pheasants occasionally visit the 
district. 

The birds migratory are the wild pigeons, (which resort 
hither in large flocks in the autumn, in search of acorns, | 
the wild geese announce themselves on the wing by their 
gabble in winter : but they seldom alight in our waters. 
The mocking-bird arrives here in spring in time to insult 
every bird of the forest which dares to whistle a note ; and 
the bashful whippoorwill reaches here at the same time, and 
secretes himself in the forest, seldom showing his head in 
daylight : but during the livelong night he chants his melan- 
choly ditty near some habitation, interrupting repose, and 
often exciting the fears of some good old wives, who believe 
his presence and jargon to forebode future misfortunes. 
Alas ! how much unnecessary anxiety does superstition 
engender in the bosom ! The redheaded woodpecker also 
visits this district in the spring, and remains until autumn | 
the black and gray martins are numerous also in the vernal 
season ; they build their nests, rear their young, and thcK 
seek in the fall an asylum in climes more congenial to their 
nature. The winter here is however enlivened with the 
snow birds, which are very numerous. On the approach of 
spring they retreat to the cool glens of the neighboring 
mountains. 

2JUMBER OP POOR — EXPENSE OF THEM — DISTILLEHIES» 

There are about 27 paupers in this district, for the sup- 
jJort of Which it is taxed 20 per cent, on Jhe amount of the 



733 

general tax ; annually exceeding ^835. These poor are 
under the care and management of five commissioners, ap- 
pointed for tiiat purpose. 

There are three public, and several private distilleries in 
the district. 

NUMBER OF BLIND— DEAF AND DUMB, AND LUNATIC 

PERSONS. 

There are two deaf and dumb, and one blind person. 
I- — -=T— — was born deaf and dumb, but is both sensible 
and uncommonly docile. L— — L — — is a young lady. 
also deaf and dumb ; sensible, and active in business. 

Not a single case of lunacy is known in this disti'ict. 

EDUCATION. 

This important subject is much better attended to now 
than formerly. Female education however is still too much 
neglected.* 

Two academies have been lately founded in this district ; 
one at Rocky springs, the other at Cedar springs ; to which 
is added one for females. In various parts of the district pri- 
vate schools are established ; ten of them are assisted out of 
the free-school fund, provided by the munificence of the 
state for the education of poor children. The returns of the 
commissioners for the last year exhibit 201 poor children 
under instruction, at an expense of $1200. 

NUMBER AND CLASS OF RELIGIOUS SECTS, 

There are three religious sects here, which according to 
number are in the following order t first. Baptists, six 
churches, number of communicants 1425 ; second, Metho- 

*^ Since this was written an academy has been established expresBiy 
for the education of females at the Cedar springs, and there is every 
Bromise that we shall not hpreafter neglect this momentottf isnbjert. 



734 

dists, number of church members 361 ; third, Presbyteri- 
ans, two churches, number of communicants 128, There 
is another religious sect here, but which has not yet been 
formed into any regular church. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Spartanburg claims some eminent characters, whose 
deeds duri ng the great political struggle of 1 776, give them a 
claim to be ranked among the worthies of the revolution. 

James Wood, Esq. was one of the first settlers in the 
district, and experienced all the difficulties connected with 
peopling a new country in defiance of Indian hostilities. He 
was one of the principal supporters of the revolution in this 
part of the country ; and fell a victim to the cause he had 
espoused, being murdered by a party of marauding tories 
known by the name of the "bloody scout." His brother, 
John Wood, a worthy citizen and patriot, was at the same 
time barbarously murdered by this set of lawless miscreants. 

Colonels Benjamin Rodrick, and Henry White, acted 
conspicuous parts in the memorable battle of the Cowpens 
in this district; as also on several other occasions. They 
were both severely wounded during the war ; but recov- 
ered ; assisted in finishing the good work, and lived to en- 
joy the benefits of it some few years. 

Major General Thomas Moore, though very young when 
the revolution broke out, was very active in the glorious 
struggle : after the war he filled an honorable seat in the 
councils of the state ; and for a series of years, was a member 
of the general congress. He died, much lamented, at his 
residence on Tyger river, in July, 1822. 

Simon Burwick, (a branch of the Elliot family,) was 
one of the first representatives, (then called burgesses,) from 
this district in the state legislature. After the war, he was un- 
fortunately murdered, whilst returning from the seat of gov- 
ernment, by two outlaws. In his death this district particu- 
larly suffered much loss ; he was an active, enterprising man-, 



735 

and was one of the principal founders of the iron works 
on Lawson's fork ; which works were burnt to ashes by 
the torieSj and never rebuilt. 

CUSTOMS — AMUSEMENTS. 

There are no particular customs here different from those 
prevailing in other parts of the country. The common 
amusements of the citizens are the pleasures of the turf, 
hunting, fishing, playing at ball, and whist ; this last 
amusement, it is feared, has been productive of some eviL 

NAMES OF PLACES— INDIAN OR OTHERWISE, 

The Cowpens is a noted place in this district, celebrated 
for a battle fought there, which resulted in giving security to 
the back parts of the state during the revolutionary war. It 
is situate three and a half miles south of the North Ca- 
rolina line, and on botii sides of the road leading from the 
Cherokee ford, (over Broad river,) to Mill's gap througii 
the mountains, and where the road from the court-house 
crosses it into North Carolina, over Broad (or Green ri- 
ver) at the island ford. The Thicketty mountain, from 
whence the iron ore for the furnace contiguous is obtained, 
is situate just below, in the neighourhood of the Cowpens ; 
and rises a majestic mound, overlooking a considerable 
extent of country. 

The tribe of Indians, which originally inhabited this 
country, were the Cherokees. But few Indian names of 
places are retained. The Enoree and Pacolet rivers, the 
Cherokee and Seratt creeks and shoals, are the onij water 
courses, which keep their original names. The Indian 
name of Broad river was Eswaw-pud-de-neh, or Line river. 

/ ROCKS GRANITE FREESTONE — LIMESTONE, &C. 

There are in this district a great many fine quarries of 
»;ranite, gniess, 'and a kind of freestone. The soapstone 



7S6 

is also inexhaustible in quantity, and of anj excellent 
quality ; a vein of it extends from southwest to southeast, 
through this district, about four miles east of the court- 
house ; some of it has been used in ornamenting the stone 
jail here ; the caps of the columns of the court-house at 
Greenville were sculptured out of this soapstone. 

Both limestone and marble, white and variegated, are 
abundant in this district, on the land of Col. Wilson Nes- 
bit. One of tlie heads of Thicketty creek has its source 
in a fine chalybeate spring adjacent to the quarries. 

MINEKALS- — METALLIC OR OTHERWISE. 

Abundance of iron ore of the finest quality is found in 
various parts of that section of the district, lying northeast 
of the Pacolet river. The largest mass, and richest mines 
are contained in Thicketty mountain. During the last 
war, the furnaces of this district did much business, sup- 
plying large orders from the navy and war departments. 
The furnaces and two forges are still in operatioo ; and 
answer all the demands of the surrounding country. The 
works are not brought to that state which would enable 
the proprietor to compete, in price, with the foreign iron 
in the markets of Charleston or Columbia ; though this 
no doubt will eventually be efiected, especially in castings. 

Plumbago, or black lead, has been discovered near the 
Cherokee creek, on the land of William Clarke, about four 
miles north of the limestone quarry ; and at various other 
places of the district. Tetanium has been lately discovered 
at Thicketty mountain ; the sulphuret of iron is plenty,* 

MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

From what has been previously said, it will be seen that 
abundance of the finest quality of materials exist in this 

® For a particular account of the minerals, see Natural History of 
the state. 



737 

district, for the construction of buildings, from marble 
clown to brick and wood. 

AGBICULTURB AND OTHER SOCIETIES— LIBRARJES— -STATE 
OF I.ITERATURE. 

No agricultural society has yet been formed in the district^ 
though so important to its interests ; nor are there any re- 
gular reading societies, or subscription libraries. But in 
the village there is an Uphemion society, in a prosperous 
state; and, to its honor, a Bible society, which is well sup- 
ported ; from the efforts of these, much benefit is antici- 
pated. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

In agriculture this district is deplorably deficient The 
system heretofore pursued, generally speaking, is, to de- 
pend altogether upon the inherent strength of the soil, tak- 
ing all that it will yield, and when its productive powers 
are exhausted, to abandon it. Though in the first settle- 
ment of the country this plan might have been justifiable^, 
it is now highly to be reprobated ; and except a change 
takes place, the country must retrograde, instead of advan- 
cing, either in population or wealth. A few of our citi- 
zens have set a good example, by paying attention to ma- 
nuring their lands, and preserving their timber.* 

* The following system in the management of lands, is olTered b}" 
Daniel White, Esq. an experienced and intelligent planter, of Spar- 
tanburg. 

When the manure arising from stock fails, and the rich soil from 
swamps, ponds, &c. becomes exhausted, which in many situations 
can scarcely ever occur with good management, then should we re= 
sort to sowing the lands in rye ; when this is ripe, pasture the slock 
on it, after this, plough it up and turn the straw completely under 
the soil with a dagon or barshaw plough, for several years in succes- 
sion; by this means our stock will not only become benefited by the 
winter pasture afforded them, but the land will soon hecr>me as prr- 
ductive as it ever was, and perhaps more sn. 



73« 

Of the subject of the Free-school and Poor-law systemsj, 
notice has already been taken ; tending to show that both 
want improvement. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

A battle of considerable importance, besides that of 
Cowpens, took place in this district, at the Green spring, 
near Berwick's iron works, where the Americans gained 
great honor. Col. Clarke, of the Georgia volunteers, joined 
with Captains McCall, Liddle, and Hammond, in all 
about 198 men, receiving intelligence from Samuel Alex- 
ander, that a body of tory militia, said to be commanded 
by Col. Ferguson (stated from 2 to 500) were recruiting 
for the horse service, determined to try to rout them. 
Accordingly they marched, and hearing that a scouting 
party was in advance of Ferguson's station, prepared to 
give them battle. Col. Clarke encamped at Green spring,and 
the enemy, learning their situation, determined to surprise 
them(and but for the courage and activity of a woman might 
have succeeded, at least in part). About half an hour before 
day, a female came in full gallop to one of the videts, who 
immediately carried her to Col. Clarke. She called to the 
colonel, *' be in readiness either to fight or run; the enemy 
will be upon you immediately, and they are strong." Eve- 
ry man was in an instant up and prepared ; soon after, the 
enemy entered the American camp in full charge, and were 
met firmly hand to hand ; it was so dark, that it was hard 
to distinguish friend from foe ; the battle was warm for 
15 or 20 minutes, when the enemy gave way; they were 
pursued near a mile, but could not be overtaken. The 
British in this affair had 28 dragoons (out of 60 command- 
ed by Capt. Dunlap) killed, besides 6 or 7 tory militia 
volunteers, and several wounded. Col. Clarke had 4 killed 
and 23 wounded, all with the broad sword. Major Smith? 
of Georgia,, a brave,, intelligent, and active officer, was 



739 

killed in the pursuit by a rifle shot ; Col Clarke received a 
sword w->und on the head ; Col. Roberts, (a voluntec^r,) 
Capt Clarke, and several other officers, were wounded in 
the same way. Capt, Dunlap commanded the enemy in. 
the attack, he had with him GO well equipped dragoons, 
and 50 volunteer mounted riflemen. 

About two miles below the battle ground, Dunlap was 
met by Ferguson — their joint force amounted to between 
4 and 600 men — they advanced to the iron works, where 
one or two of our wounded had been left, who fell into 
their hands ; they were treated well by Ferguson, and were 
left there when he retired. Clarke and his little band re- 
turned to North Carolina for rest and refreshment, for the 
whole of this enterprise was performed without one regu- 
lar meal, and without regular food for their horses.* 



SUMTER, 

History op the settlement— origin op its name. 
Tht' first permanent settlement in this district took place 
about the year 1750,at which time Samuel and JamesBradley 

'^ Mrs. Dillard is the lady who acted with such resokition and ho- 
Hor on this occasion. She the day before had entertained the Ameri- 
cans with milk and potatoes ; on the evening of the same day, Fer- 
guson and Dunlap, with a partyof to ries, stopped at her house, inqui- 
red whether Clark and his party had not been there, what time they 
left there, and their numbers; she answered that they had beentherOj 
that she could not guess at their numbers, and that they had been 
gone a long lime. They ordered her to prepare supper for the offi- 
cers with despatch, took possession of the house, some bacon for 
their men, and she went to preparing for them. In going backwards 
and forwards from the kitchen she overheard much of their conver- 
sat/on, and found that they had determined to pursue Clarke as 
«oon as they refreshed themselves a little; and Bhe heard one of the 



740 

located themselves in the eastern part of the district, now 
called Salem. Previous to this, however, the country had 
been occupied by herdsmen, who raised great numbers of 
cattle, and who moved about from place to place, as the 
rans;o suited them. The most permanent of these were 
the Nelsons (near the ferry of that name), who, it is said, 
marked between 800 and 1000 calves every spring. The 
Davis's were located near Sumterville, and the ConyerSy 
Mellets, and Canters, in the eastern part of the divStrict, 
on the head branches of Black river and Lynch's creek. 

The lands about the high hills of Santee had been reserv- 
ed for the Scotch after the rebellion of 1745 ; but it is said 
that when they arrived on the coast of Carolina, they were 
carried by contrary winds into Cape Fear ; where they 
settled on Cross creek. The lands intended for them were 
then granted, and settled chiefly by Virginians, of whom 
the most noted were Gen. Sumter, Gen. Richardson, and 
Col. James. The first settlers here were Chillet, Ma- 
thers, Nettlers, and Furman, 

' The district was named in honor of Gen. Sumter, whose 
eminent services during the revolutionary war merit the 
highest honors. 

lory officers tell Ferguson that he had just been informed the rebels, 
with Clarke, was to encamp that night at the great spring, and it was 
at once resolved to surprise them before day ; upon this she hurried 
their supper, and as soon as she set it on table, slipped out of aback 
way, went to the stable, bridled a young horse that was kept up, and 
without saddle mounted and rode with all possible speed to apprise 
Clarke of his danger, in the hope of being in time for him to make a 
safe retreat, believmg that the enemy were too numerous to justify a 
battle with them — she just arrived in time to put them in readiness 
for action, for Ferguson detached Dunlap with 200 picked mounted 
men to engage Clarke and keep him employed until his arrival. They 
rushed in as above stated; but Ferguson was too late for the frolic — 
half an hour ended the business. Mrs. D's husband, Capt. D. was with 
the American party as a volunteer. This lady deserves the thanks of 
hei countrv. 



741 



SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

The situation of Sumter district is entirely within what is 
called the alluvial region. It is bounded on the N. E. by 
Lynch's creek, which divides it from Darlington ; on the 
S. E. by Williamsburg, from which it is divided by a line 
(originally straight, but now a little bending where it in- 
tersects Black river,) beginning at a point on Lynch's 
creekj nearly a mile and a half below the old sawmill ferry, 
and running S. 22i, W. about 43 miles, or until it inter- 
sects the Santee river, three quarters of a mile below Gail- 
lard's island ; on the S. W. by the Santee and Water ee ri- 
vers, which divide it from Charleston, Orangeburg, and 
Richland districts ; the first terminating at Nelson's, (now 
Dair's ferry,) the second at the junction of the Congaree and 
Wateree rivers, and the third at Raglin's gut, where the 
iine of Kersliaw begins, and on the N. W. by Kershaw dis- 
trict, from whicii it is divided b}^ a line running up Raglin's 
gut to Big swift creek ; thence N. 84, E. over the road lead- 
ing to Statesburg, and which runs through Garret's old field, 
(now Stark's,) and thence N. 84, E. 2-f miles, or until it in- 
tersects Lynch's creek, at Spevey's ferry. Sumter is a large 
district, containing by computation 1,070,080 square acres ; 
averaging in length from north to south about 44 miles, 
and in width from east to west, 38 miles. 

NATURE OP THE SOIL — ADAPTATION TO PARTICULAR PRO- 
DUCTS. 

Generally speaking, the soil is a black loam, mixed with 
sand. There are two veins of a reddish clay extending 
through the district ; the first reaching 8 miles on the 
Charleston road, at the halfway swamp ; the second ex- 
tending from near Manchester to Statesburg, 9 miles, but 
neith^ of them is more than from 1 to 2 miles wide. 

The soil is well adapted to the cultivation of cotton, 
(which is almost the whole staple product of the district,) 
maize or Indian corn, cow pease, sweet potatoes, wheat, 



74g 

rye, oats, rice, &c. , all which are raised in sufficient'quanti- 
ties for home consumption. 

Very little attention is paid to tiie rotation of crops ; the- 
lands planted in corn are commonly manured ; those ip. 
cotton, are conducted on the fallow system. 

VALUE OF LAND— OF PRODUCTS— REMARKABLE SEASONS, 

The price of land is much reduced of late. Pii^e land of 
a ^ood quaHty is from four to fi\e dollars an acre; bluff, 
and on the river from ten to fifteen dollars ; and swamp 
lands, (or river bottoms unsecured by banks,) from seven 
to ten dollars ; the same lands where secured from fresliets, 
are worth tifty dollars an acre. The price of cotton is re2;u~ 
lated by the Charleston market, deduct ina; freight ; corn, 
Irom the little raised beyond what is necessary for planta- 
tion use, when in demand brings a high price ; sometimes 
one dollar a bushtl. 

The most remarkable seasons remembered were the 
years 1794, 1S17, 18, 20,21, and 22 ; the weather bt-mg 
extremely wet. The crops in this district are seldom in- 
jured by drought. 

DISTRICT TOWN— VILLAGES. 

Sumterville is properly the district town, from the cir- 
cumstance of its being the seat of justice. This place lies 
in latitude 33° 53' 49", longitude 0° 4<i' 45" E. of Colum- 
bia ; from which its bears S. S3° 15' E. 39^ milps. Be- 
sides a handsome court-house and jail, the village contains 
twelve or thirteen houses, two churches, two or three stores, 
and a tavern. It was founded in 1^00, and lies very cen- 
tral to the district, though not convenient for trade, as 
ttiere is no navigable water v^dthin fifteen miles. Should it 
be required, there is very little doubt but that the wj)ters 
of Black river might be renaered navigable, within a short 
distance of Sumterville. 



743 

Statesbur^ is a small villaa;e ])eau<ifuHy seated among 
hills, four miles east of the Waif roe river; and contains 
at present about ei^htdwellins; houses, two stores, and three 
OJ four shops. State^burof was founded by Gen. Suaiter m 
llf^S. At the tin e the location of the seat of government 
was undor discussion, Statc^bnrp; entf-red into competition 
with Columbia A neat Episcopal church wns built here 
in 1798, which has an ore;a<i, presented by Williau! Reesej 
Esq. A parsonage house has been also erected about two 
miles from the church. 

Th<'re is not a more df sirablf place for residence, either 
for health or societv, in any part of the ?tate, than this 
villao;^ offers. The planters from below resort here to 
breathe the salubrious otmospher-.- of these hills, and many 
gentlfur.en habiinalh reside amongst Ihem, whosf affluence 
and hospitality give to the place a char.'cter of ease and 
dignity. As the country increases in population, this vil- 
lage must increas'^' also, so as in time to become of impor- 
tance. It lies within a short disiance of a very extended 
navigable river, and in the vicinity of a fertile country ; 
which, when once brc ught into cultivation, will produce 
vast \^ealfh to its inhabitants. 

Manchester is a sniall settlement, situate about nine 
miles south of Statesburg, This village, with Statesburg 
and Sumterville, form nearly an equilateral triangle. 

LAKES— CREEKS-STREAMS— NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

The Wateree and Sanlee rivers, present a long line of 
navigation, the whole extent of the district, for boats of 
considerable burden ; and Lynch's creek furnishes a good 
navigation for smaller boats on the other side. The waters 
of Black river, which run up into the heart of the district, 
are not now navigable, though they are capable of being 
made so to a certain extent, with a moderate expense The 
piipst valuable lands in the district lie on all tlic^e rivers j 



hence they are of immense importance to its agricultural 
.nterests. Innumerable smaller streams, branches of the 
greater, intersect the country in every direction, furnishing 
abundance of good land for cultivation amid the sand hills. 
Of lakes, Brevington's is the most noted. It is a curious 
expanse of water. The road leads as it were right into the 
bed of a narrow river, the current being visible ; and with- 
out sensibly altering the depth, you keep on three quarters 
of a mile, when you come to a lofty bridge over a stygian 
colored body of water, of which you do not see the ex- 
tremes, and therefore you suppose it a river, but it is only 
three quarters of a mile long, and about sixty ya^'ds wide 
at the bridge. This lake is one of the many lakes formed 
in the south prong of Black river, which extends up to 
Sumterville, as the north prong does to near Caniiien. 
These two prongs are from a mile to half a mile wide. 
The north prong is that which it has been long in contem- 
plation to make navigable. The body of the s\\ amp is a 
black mud with little tenacity. Each of the lakes or lagoons 
is connected with its neighbor by streams variously convolv- 
ed and divided. In them grow abundance of high cypress, 
whose immense roots seem inaccessible to the axe, and to 
bid defiance to the art of man to eradicate them. But none 
of these difficulties are insurmountable; and the benefit thai 
such a work would be to the agricultural interests and health 
of the district, is sufficient to justify its being undertaken, 
There is a number of what are called savannahs, bays, 
and cypress ponds in the flat parts of the country. The 
first are a kind of meadows, without a tree or a shrub, de- 
lightfully green, and having generally a good looking soil j 
yet after all this specious appearance, the planters deem 
them not worth cultivating or enclosing. It has however 
been discovered, that by cutting a deep trench and drain- 
ing them effectually, they can by deep ploughing be ren- 
dered valuable. One gentleman near Sumterville, by cul- 
tivation, and from spontaneous growth, only extirpated the 



745 

native sour grass, and obtained another which he mows. 
There is very Uttie question, but that all these savannahSj 
bays, and cypress ponds, contain rich bottoms, which, if 
drained, would become highly valuable for cultivation. 

The rivers present some considerable lakes, formed by 
the current leaving its old bed, and cutting a new channel. 
The most noted is Scott's lake, on Santee, the seat of Fort 
Watson, a British post, celebrated in the revolutionary 
war. It is situated in the lower part of the district, five 
miles above Vance's ferry. To the west of Manchester is 
another lake, formed in the same manner, called "' The 
Raft." Besides these, are a number of smaller lakes, such 
as Pine Bluff lake. Wood lake. Big bay, Green Savannah, 
Mill bay, &c. ; all considerable bodies of water and inland,, 
except Pine Bluff lake. 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES— SEASON OF FLOWERING. 

There are the pine and cypress, sycamore, black and 
Vidiite oak, hickory, poplar, magnolia, sweet gum, beech, 
cotton tree, and a variety of others ; not forgetting the beau- 
tiful gardenia, the bark of which has been found to equal 
oak in tanning. On the banks of the Wateree, the black 
and white oaks are often four feet in diameter, and from 60 
to iOO feet high, without a limb. The sycamore and cy- 
press grow also to a very great size in the river swamps. 

The fruit trees, such as the peach, plum, apple, pear, figy 
nectarine, &c. generally flower from the middle of March 
till the middle of April. 

Very fine grapes, both cultivated and wild, are found in 
this district in great variety ; and the swamps teem with 
the most beautiful and fragrant flowers, berries, &c. 

/ CLIMATE— DISEASES— LONGEVITY. 

The climate varies, in some degree, according to circum- 
stances of location. The sand hills have a delightful at- 



mosphere ; but the fiat lands, and those ha the vicinity of 
swamps, have the air contaminated more or less with their 
miasma, which produces aa;ues and fevers durir;g the au- 
tumn, and, from their excessive moisture, pleurisies in the 
spring. The high pi:!e lanris, a little distant from swamps, 
are healthy. The ridge stretching from Sumterville to 
Kershaw, is peculiarly favoured in this respect. 

Instances of longevity- are more common in this region 
than others ; several of ihe inhabitants having attained SO 
years of age. Dr. Ramsay notices the following aged in- 
dividuals : 

Mrs. Jackson, a widow lady, at the high hills of Santee^ 
a native of Virginia, aged 110; R-.Jse Maples, 17 miles from 
Statesburg, 102 ; Mary James, from Maryland, 70 years 
resident near Statesburg, 102 ; Mrs. Lane, near Statesburg, 
who, on Sundays, walked 10 miles to church, attended by 
her descendants to the fifth generation, 95 : Mr. and Mrs. 
Neitles, ten miles from Statesburg, born in Virginia, in tho 
same month of the same year — married 72 years — had, in 
1S03, 134 descendants — htalthy, cheerful, and good hu- 
mored to the List — resided in Carolina 30 years, each of 
them, 92 ; Rev. Jeremiah Ream, a preacher after he was 
90 years old, died in the district, 1797, aged 100. Mrs. 
Ha} nes worth, high hills of Santee, S7. There are some 
now living, between 80 and 90 ; but few attain a greater 
age than 70. The venerable Gen. Sumter, the patriot and 
soldier of the revolution, still lives in the enjoyment of 
health and the full exercise of all his faculties, at the ad- 
vanced age of 90. 

POLICE— TAVERNS — STATE OP THE ROADS. 

The patrol laws are badly executed. The slaves are nu- 
inerous, and great pilferers, in taverns tliis district unfor- 
lun'itely abounds; almost every store presents one. They 
are public nuisances, with but few exceptions. Those fov 



entertainment are, two in Statesburg, two in Sumtervillej 
two at Bradford's springs, and one at Manchester^ 

The roadsj in xvinterj are exceedingly bad ; scarcely paS" 
sable to Nelson's ferry ; cut up by narrow-wheeled wa- 
gons, and seldom worked on more than once a year, for 
three or four days,, or at most a week. The road from 
Statesburg to Charleston is the great thoroughfare for all 
wagons east and %vest of the Catawba, and from the upper 
counties in North Carolina, and ought to claim the attention 
of the legislature. A place can hardly be conceived more 
horrible than Nelson's swamp, in winter ; yet it is in the 
direct route to Charleston, 

MANUFACTURES— COMMERCE— OCCUPATION OP THE INHA- 
BITANTS. 

■ Manufactures are altogether of domestic origin In this 
district. There is one for saw gins, three for riding chairs, 
a few blacksmiths, eight or ten miles apart Mechanics are 
greatly wanted. During the last war there was a cotton 
factory established in this district, which spun much cot= 
ton, but it declined after its termination. \;' 

The commerce of Sumter district is carried on altoge- 
ther with Charleston, The planters supply themselves 
chiefly from thence ; to deal in country stores has been 
thought ruinouSo The produce is takc!i doWn the Wate*^ 
ree, and Santee, mostly in large boats. A steam-boat 
navigation has not yet been established to run up the Wa-= 
teree ; though two run up the Congaree to Columbia. 

The inhabitants of this district are almost all plant" 
•ers ; even professional men and mechanics have their 
plantations. 

/ ?0PULA110r>J-*-IAXES. 

The last census (1820) gave to this district a population 
of S5,369 souls, of the following descriptions; whites S844, 

2! Z 8 



748 

alaves 1G,143, free blacks 382» The population is on the 
increase. In 1800 there were 6239 whites^ 6563 slaves^ 
and 301 free blacks; total 13,103. 

The taxes paid by this district, amount annually to up-^ 
wards of ^15,506. 

F1SH--GAME-—B1RDS. 

The shad and sturgeon ascend up the rivers of this 
district in the spring ; but there are often caught here, the 
troutj bream, rock-fishj red-horse, mud-fish, perch, suck- 
ing-fish, and others. Of game, the deer and wild turkeys 
are almost all destroyed ; wild ducks are scarce also ; but 
there are plenty of doves, partridges, snipes, woodcocks ; 
besides hawks, owls, crows, woodpeckers, and the various 
singing-birds common to the country. There is no 
scarcity of squirrels, rabbitsj Opossums, foxes, wild- 
cats, &Co 

KOCKS, GRANITE, FREESTONE, LIMESTONE, &e.— MINERALS. 

Situated below the granite region, this district has no 
rock of this character. There is some sandstone on the 
high hills of Santee, part of which is soft, and crumbling, 
but near the Wateree, it is hard, heavy, and mixed with 
iron. The finest is much used in building foundations o£ 
houses, and chimneys ; and is sometimes found admixed 
ivith small shells, and fullers* earth. There is a quarry of 
burrstone at Bloomhill, and some compact shell limestone 
in the lower part of the district. Several mineral appear- 
ances exhibit themselves in various places in springs. 
The most noted of these are the Bradford springs, much 
frequented. The waters are chalybeate, with a little sulphur^ 
and prove highly tonic when drank freelv. 

RELIGIOUS SECTS, 

There are four religious denominations here^ and for 



749 

numbers are in the following order ; MethodistSj BaptistSj, 
Presbyterians, and Episcopalians. There are upwards of 
20 places of worship in the district. 

EDUCATIOJJ SCH0OLS, PRIVATE, PUBLICj AND FREE. 

The subject of education has of late years been much 
attended to, in this district. Two academies have been. 

founded; the Mount Clio, and Woodville, academies. 
Education is chiefly carried on in private schools. There 
are two very good in the district ; one near Statesburg. 
and the other at Sumterville. Academies never thrive here, 
owing to the want of boarding-houses. Poor children are 
educated with those of the rich, being distributed in the 
private schools. The report of the commissioners of free 
schools the last year, showed ^2182 38 expended on this 
object, and 426 poor children under instruction at the 
same time. 

CUSTOMS— AMUSEMENTS. 

These are such as are common to planters of much hos- 

pitalityj, and a good share of industry. The amusement of 
fiards and billiard playing is carried to an extreme. The 
sports of the field occur occasionally ; and with regret it is 
added, a practice with some of encouraging cock-fighting. 

NAMES OF PLACES AND THEIR ORIGIN, INDIAN OR OTHER- 
WISE. 

But few Indian names have been handed down in this 
district, except the Santee, Congaree, Wateree, Wynee, or 
Black river, Kadapaw, or Lynches creek, Pocotaligo, and 
Savanna, or Savannah. A number of tribes of Indians 
inhabited this country originally ; but little care hag been 
taken to preserve either their names or locsdon ; which 
lessens much the mterest the traveller or man of letters 
would have in visiting it. 



750 



EMINENT MEN^ 



Several eminent characters originated from this distriet 
during the war, whose names are enrolled with honor in the 
archives of the state. Among the most distinguished of 
these are General Sumter, still living, at the advanced age 
of 90 years ; blessed v\ith a vigorous mind, and good bodily 
health. Gen Sumter resides near Statesburg, in the full 
possession of every comfort, reaping the rewards of a well 
spent life, and enjoying the blessings of a grateful people. 

General Richard Richardson's name early appears in the 
history of this state ; he was appointed previous to the revo- 
lution to a responsible office by the British government, but 
on the revolution taking place, he resigned all his offices, 
and entered with enthusiasm into the cause of his country. 
On the breaking out of the war he was appointed a colonel 
hy the provincial congress, and sent with a large body of 
militia and new raised regulars, conjointly with Colonel 
Thompson, to apprehend the leaders of the royal party in 
the upper country, and to suppress the existing insurrection 
there; which orders Colonel Richardson executed with 
great moderation and propriety. He defeated a considera- 
ble body of lories, (commanded by Major Robinson,) on 
Reedy river, in 1775, and took 130 prisoners. In the 
campaign of 177 i*, Colonel Richardson was put in command 
of a large proportion of the militia of the state, and joined 
General Lincoln at Purysburg. 

The celebrated Dr. Thomas Reese had charge of a church 
m this district (Salem) during the revolutionary war„ 

Cotonel Manning, the father of the present governor of 
South Carolina, distinguished himself on several occasions 
in the war of the revolution. He was in the memorable 
battle of th& Eutaws, and fought with determined bravery. 
At .the siege of Augusta he had the command of one of the 
moving batteries. 

Sumter district has had the honor of giving to the state 



75 i 



iwo governors, James B. Richardson and Richard J. Man- 
ning ; and two judges, VVartis and Richardson. 

WASTE LAND — SWAMP — QUANTITY RECLAIMED— EXPENSE 
OF BANKING. 

Very little swamp land is as yet under cultivation, and 
much remains to be reclaimed on the Wateree, Santee, 
Scape, and other swamps. Some efforts have been made in 
this important work, which it is hoped are only a prelude 
to a more vigorous and extended operation. Some of the 
Scape swamp has been reclaimed, and considerably more 
of the Wateree. Judge Waites has been some time bank- 
ing across the east side of this last swamp for a company, 
at one dollar per acre. Should his bank be hereafter ex- 
tended, a body of land ten miles by four, containing 35,600 
square acres will be secured, 

AGRICULTUKAL AND LIBRARY SOCIETIES STATE OF LITE- 
RATURE. 

An agricultural society is established at Statesburg, and 
also a subscription library society. There is one besides at 
Sumterville, but not Lirge. Literature, with a fe%v excep- 
tions, is confined to professional men. 

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

[See Beaufort district] 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

The high hills of Santee are the greatest natural curiosity 
in the district They are a spur from the sand hills of the 
middle country, which are our secondary mountains. The 
former take their rise a little above Jack's creek, about nine 
miles north of N.lson's ferry, and form that fine body of 
brick mould land in the Richardson settlement. After con- 
tinuing about eight miles they become suddenly sand hills. 



752 

giving rise to three delightful streams of water, and afford" 
ing healthy summer retreats to the planters below, and a 
little above Manchester. At the end of eleven miles they 
again become red land, which continues to Buck creek, 
above Statesburg, nine miles. These hills, to this point, 
appear to hang over the Wateree swamp ; but now they 
diverge, and turn to the northeast, with one ridge in the 
middle forming a backbone ; breaking off into hills towards 
the Wateree, and sloping off gradually towards Black river« 
At Beech creek the hills again become sandy, which gra- 
dually increases to Bradford's spring (15 or 16 miles). A 
little above this place they join the sand hills of the middle 
country. Round Statesburg the high hills of Santee are 
elevated about 300 feet above the bed of the river, and 
command in two points a view of 30 miles. These lands 
are here generally laid off in small tracts for gentlemen's 
seats, and afford a pure air and water ; but the neighborhood 
of Bradford's springs is dry and elevated, and considered 
the most healthy. These hills, now generally called the 
Santee hills, give rise to all the head branches of Black river, 
and to many creeks which empt}'^ into the Wateree, They 
slope towards the former, and with the valley between them 
and the latter, afford the best pine lands in the state, thickly 
settled. The sand hills of the middle country are thought 
to be of little value ; but they furnish salubrious seats for 
the planters on the rivers. Their height, and the pure dry 
air condense the vapours passing from the sea and low 
country upwards, which afterwards descend in showers^, 
refreshing the crops, and fertilizing 'the lands. For the 
last thirty years it has been observed that all the summer 
showers come from the sand hills. The only exceptions 
are when there is a spell of wet weather ; then they come 
from all directions. These sand hills are evidently designed 
for wise purposes, by a beneficent Providence ; for had the 
vapours been suffered to float so far from the middle country 
as the Alleghany mountains, they would hardly have re- 



turned to it in showers ; but would have been exhausted in 
the intervening country. These hills are admirably adapted 
^o the cultivation of the vine ; and if ever wine is made in 
our state, the probability is, these will be covered with 
vineyards ; and thus become extremely productive. The 
soil of these hills is as rich as that of the grape departments 
of FrancCo 

In respect to the timber trees of this district something 
more may be said. Botanists have noted only one kind of 
cypress, (except perhaps michan,) cupressus disticha. Four 
varieties have been observed here. Cupressus disticha, 
called alba. The wood is white, light, and swims in water, 
Cupressus nigra, black cypress, sinks in water. This is the 
most durable of wood. Cupressus formula, dwarf or poad 
cypress, is also very durable, and so crossgrauied it is im- 
possible to rive it. It is also divided into black and white. 

The haw, or crab apple, has been tried here by the late 
Captain Singleton, but will not answer as a hedge ; and 
such has been the waste of timber in fencing, that resort 
must soon be had to the Cherokee rose. 

Of migratory birds we have the chickwidow, and not the 
whippoorwilL They are both species of capumalgus, yet 
are seldom found together.* The last inhabits the upper 
country', and as low down as Camden and Columbia ; but 
one has been heard on these hills, and one near to George- 
town. The woodthrush is our finest singing bird- It is 
very shy, and is only to be found in the shady forests and 
deep glens. The summer red-bird abounds more here than 
in the surrounding country. It is very beautiful, and sings 
well. The male is red, the female yellow, and much like 
a Canary bird. It has been remarked that only the male of 
these birds sings, but the remark does not hold true ; for I 
hate been regaled by a song from both when pairing. 



- '754 
UNION. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME, 

In 1755, the first settlement of this district took place, 
chiefly by emigrants from Virginia. The progress of po- 
pulation was very slow until Governor Glen formed his 
treaty with the Cherokee Indians, when a considerable in- 
flux of inhabitants was the result, 

SITUATION— BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Union lies in the same region of country in which York, 
Abbeville, Laurens, and Chester districts are situate; name- 
ly j, the granite region. It is bounded on the northeast by 
Broad river, which separates it from Chesterj most of York, 
and a small part of Fairfield. On the northwest by the fol- 
lowing lines : — beginning at a point on Broad river, half a 
mile above the mouth of the Cherokee creek, and running 
thence S. 29, W. to Pacolet river ; thence S. 33i, W. to 
the intersection of Fairforest creek, thence S. 65, W. across 
the Tyger river to Hacket's creek ; thence S. 1 7, W. 2 
miles, 28 chains, to the cross-key road ; thence S, 12, W. 
to a dead Spanish oak on the north bank of the Enoree 
river, a little above Musgrove's ford, opposite Gordon's 
mills ; which lines divide it from Spartanburg. On the S. 
W. by the Enoree river, down to Averey's ford, which 
divides it from Laurens ; thence across Cbrenshaw's ford, 
on the Tyger river, and down this to its junction with the 
Broad river, which form its S. E, boundarj?, and divides 
;'t from Newberry. 

The average length of the district is 30 miles ; breadth 
IS ; and number of acres 345,600. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL— PRODUCTS-QUANTITY FER ACHE. 

Clay is predominant in this district, mixed with sand, 
gravely and rock» The country is very broken, and roll 












I'' ■■ fng; tli'^ land subject to waslu Where this is not the ease,it is 

cultivated to great advantage. The gent^ral face of ti)e coun- 

... trv bears a strong resemblance to the districts of Pendleton, 

■ <|VGreenvi]Ie, Spartanburg, and Yo.'k. On the rivers and 

;•-»•: li. creeks are considerable bodies of low ground, of various 
qualities ; principally of rich clay. The ridges, which di- 
vide the water-courses, are generally of a thin, gravelly 
soil, and sometimes slony ; particularly in the upper part 
of the district. The intermediate lands consist of a red, 
chocolate-colored clay J or gray sandy soil; varying very 
much in its quality. The high lands are not generally so 
rich as the districts in a lower latitude ; for instance, Fair- 
field, Newberry, Laurens, and Abbeville ; nor so sterile as 
the high lands in Pendleton, Greenville, and Spartanburg, 
which are more elevated. The soil is very well adapted to 
the culture of cotton, particularly the lower parts of the dis- 
trict ; the low grounds to Indian corn, and the high lands 
to wheat, rye, oats, barley, pease, and pumpkins. The 
sweet and Irish potato grows very well here. 

In good seasons the average quantity, of seed cotton rais- 
ed to the acre, exceeds 450 lbs. ; of corn, 12 to 15 bushels; 
and of wheat, 7 to S bushels. The price of the first is regu= 
lated by the markets of Colunibia, where it is carried. The 
expense of transportation being deductetl, corn may be 

L. averaged at 50 cents, and wheat 75 cents per bushel. 

*■ . The soil of this district is well adapted to the agricultural 
system of cultivation, and it appears imperiously to demand 
its introduction in place of the present ruinous system of 
planting, which has too long prevailed. Large bodies of 
once good land have been destroyed by this; mode of work- 

■ . ing it ; and it is much to be feared, that, if a change does 

^^j§riot soon take place, this district, instead of increasing, will 

'. decrease, in population, by the emigration of its citizens to 

.; , . the western country. The advantages which it possesses^ 

V* iAsCUnaate; facilities af na^igatiouj and capacities of soilj 















:'. ■^'H 



"iOt) 






would, it properly innproved, make its resources vastly in 
exceed what they now can possibly be, under the best ma= 
nagement. The cultivator of the soil should ever bear in 
mind these great, fundamental truths in agriculture : 1st, # 
To give back to the soil as, much nourishment as is taken 
from it by the plant growing on it. Nourishment is as ne- 
cessary to the soil, as it is to the animal body ; therefore, if 
its natural source of support, (its products,) are taken away, 
and no substitute provided, it must deteriorate. Manuring '^ 
is absolutely requisite to be adopted in the cultivation of 
the soiL Any system of culture, which does not include 
this, is fatally deficient, and destructive of the best interests 
of the country. 2d. The timber trees should be preserved, 
and the growth of the young saplings nourished. The only 
resource for fuel and building this district has, is from that 
quarter. It has no coal mines ; neither are there any yet 
discovered In the state. If any desire to grow rich upon 
the ruins of their country, and afterwards to abandon it, let 
them pursue the present system of planting ; but if they 
desire its prosperity, and the permanent wealth and com- 
fort of their children, let them adopt the agricultural sys- 
tem. Agriculture is the art of making the earth produce 
the largest crops of useful vegetables, wjth the smallest la^ 
bor, and yet preserve its qualities to produce. Planting is 
the most effectual mode of ruining a soil. 

It does not appear that we can calculate upon any con- 
siderable improvement in the agricultural system,' as long 
as cotton continues to be the great staple commodity ; as it 
occupies so much time in the summer, that no more can be 
devoted to the raising of provisions than is barely sufficient 
to secure a scanty subsistence for the family. It requires 
so great a portion of the winter to get it out of the. field, 
and prepare it for market, that no time, (or but little,) is 
found for ditching, banking, and manuring. The omission 
sf these begins already to be sensibly felt? as our lands be- 
esine exhausted, , 




757 

No a«5Ticultural society is yet establislied in the district ; 
neither is it to be supposed any good could be expected 
from one, in the present state of the country ; all the efforts 
which have been made, have hitherto been unsuccessfuL 
It is by individual enterprise the work must first be begun. 
When the mass of the people see it succeeding, by the ef- 
forts of individuals, and feel the necessity of some improve^ 
ments at home, they may begin to imitate the example ; 
and a spirit of inquiry may spring up, which may be im- 
proved by that interchange of opinions and information^ 
obtained through the medium of agricultural societies, For^ 
although we might suppose, that the exhausted land, which 
we see abandoned, would open the eyes of the planter to 
the necessity of agricultural improvements ; yet, as long as 
there is much land to clear, they cannot be brought to 
change their old habits. 

DISTRICT TOWN. . 

Unionville is the seat of the courts, and the only town in 
the district. It is pleasantly situated at the head spring of 
Sboaly creek, a branch of Fairforest, about nine miles from 
Broad river, and central to the district. It contains about 
20 houses, and 200 inhabitants. A handsome stone court- 
house and jail, upon the most improved plan, have been 
lately erected here ; besides which, there is a respectable 
academy, and a Presbyterian church. 

STREAMS— NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

On the longest line of this district the Broad river ex» 
tends, which is navigable to the Ninety-nine islands, for 
boats carrying sixty bales of cotton. The only serious na= 
tural obstruction to this navigation, which formerly existed, 
wis Lockhart's shoals ; a fall of fifty-one feet in two miles. 
These are now overcome by a canal with spven locks, exe- 
Mited bv the state 



« 



The Pacolet, which crosses three-fourths of the district 
at the upper end, is now navigable twelve miles, to Grin- 
dali's shoals. These once passed, the navigation may be 
extended to Easterwood shoals, fourteen miles from Spar- 
tanburg court-house. There are two modes proposed of 
overcoming- this obstruction. The first, by sluicing, which 
Is estimated to cost only ^600 ; but as some mills are esta- 
blished here, which would thereby be rendered useless, a 
eanal, and a lock of six feet left, v^^ould be requisite to pre- 
serve them ; which are estimated to cost (done in the most 
economical manner) ^3,000. This is an important work, 
particularly to the interests of Spartanburg. The Tyger 
and Enoree are considerable streams, and run parallel with 
each other, the whole breadth of the district ; about twenty" 
six miles. In some places they are only from three to four 
miles apart. Both of these streams are capable of affording 
good navigation, by sluicing. The Tyger is now naviga- 
ble seven miles, to Glenn's mill, formerly Hawkins'. The 
velocity of Enoree river is less than that of Tyger, only 
about one mile an hour, between the shoals. The width of 
these streams is from 70 to 120 yards. 

Fairforest, a branch of Tyger river, comes next in or- 
der. This is a beautiful stream. Its main springs are in 
Spartanburg district; numerous branches make into it. 
Five miles from the court-house the current is interrupted 
by a considerable shoal, the fall of which is equal to thirty- 
six feet in a short distance, and furnishes noble mill-seats. 
The position of this creek with reference to the village of 
Union, opens a plan for forming a water communication 
with Broad river, passing through or near it. By this 
means a navigable intercourse might be effected with a fine 
section of country, and its benefits made to extend even 
to Spartanburg. . 

In the upper part of this district there are two consider- 
able streams, Gilky and Thickety creeks, which form one 
before entering Broad river. One of the branches of thp. 



^. 



latter stream, rises in a mountain of iron ore, and the other 
in a marble and limestone quarry, both in Spartanburgo 
The other streams are Paetget's, Tinker, Cane, Dutch- 
man's, and Hacker's creeks, waters of Tyger river ; 
Brown's, Farmer's, Hughe's, Meal's, Abrington's, People, 
and Cherokee creeks ; Mill, and Big Sandy creeks, empty 
into Pacolet ; Sugar, Mitchel's, Rocky, Buffalo, Shoaly, 
Beaver dam, and Harris, are waters of Fairforest ; French- 
man, and Elisha creeks, are branches of Enoree river. 

VALUE OF LAND. 

The best lands near the river sell for between twenty 
and thirty dollars per acre ; whilst some of the uplands 
would not bring more than from three to six dollars an acre,, 

PRICE OF LABOR EXPENSES OF LIVING. 

Field hands are hired by the month, or year, at the rate 
of from eight to ten dollars per month. The price of 
board is according to fare, from six to eight dollars per 
month in the country ; at the village from twelve to fifteen 
dollars. 

THE MARKET FOR THE SURPLUS PRODUCTS OF THE DIS- 
TRICT, AND EXPENSES OF TRANSPORTATION. 

Columbia is now the only market of this district ; boats 
run regularly in season down the Broad river, A conside- 
rable change in favor of the planters above Lockhart's 
shoals, has grown out of the system, of internal improve- 
ment pursued by the state. The expenses of transportation 
are reduced nearly one half. Formerly the citizens of 
^is district gave two dollars for a bushel of salt, now they 
only pay one dollar and twenty-five cents. 



:;•*• 



JGQ 



EDUCATION—PHIVATE AND FREE SCHOOLS— STATE OF LI- 
TBRATURE-—LIBBARIES, &C. 

No permanent academies are yet established ; there are, 
however, few neighborhoods in which schools of some sort 
are not kept up. The liberality of the state has provided 
the means of educating a number of poor children. In 
1821 the report of the commissioners gave 1S2, educated 
at an expense of ^1076. In 1820, 161, at 1259 dollars ex- 
pense. 

Literature is making some progress in Union ; but it is 
yet mostly confined to professional men. There is a libra- 
ry society established at the village, which has a respectable 
library. It is to be regretted that circulating libraries are not 
commen in the district, and measures taken to excite a 
taste for reading among the people. 

POPULATION. 

This district has since the revolution rapidly increased in 
population. In ISOO it contained 10,277 souls, of which 
1,697 were slaves. In 1820 the population was as follows : 
9,786 whites, 4,278 slaves, 62 free blacks ; total .14,126. 
The population is still increasing, though considerably re- 
tarded by emigrations to the western states ^ principally 
at present, to Alabama. 

RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Methodists are the most numerous religious denom" 
ination in the district ; next the Presbyterians : there are 
few or no Episcopalians. 

CLIMATE DISEASES LONGEVITY. 

Union partakes with York, Chester, and Laurens, in an 
equable, mild, and temperate climate. The inhabitants 
enjoy, generally, as good health as fall to the lot of any 
people. Some oases of bilious fevers occur in the vicinity 



761 

of the water courses, during the autuiiiu. Ttie diseased 
formerly were in a great degree the effects of intemper- 
ance ; but this vice has very much subsided, and fewer 
deaths occur in consequence. 

MANUFACTURES, DOMESTIC AND OTHERS. 

' There are no instances of articles manufactured for sale 
in this district, further than leather from hides ; coarse 
domestic fabrics are manufactured in almost every fa- 
mily. 1^ 

TIMBER TREES— FRUIT TREES, 

:.y There are a few short leaf pine ; but the principal timber 
trees are, the various species of oak, the hickory^ poplar^ 
maple, black walnut, chesnut, sycamore, birch, dogwood, 
persimmon, locust, beech, ash, and several others. The 
fruit trees are the peach, apple, plum, pear, nectarine ; be= 
sides the various kinds of nuts and berries. The woods 
abound with wild grapes, some of which are very fine, 

FISH — -GAME BIRDS. 

There are shad in season ; also trout, red-horse, rocli,and 
cat-fish ; besides perch, eel, pike, carp, &c. Of game,, 
there are a few deer, wild turkeys, some foxes, raccoons, 
opossums, squirrels, muskrats, &c. Of birds, the eaglCj, 
hawk, kingfisher, martin, swallow, wild duck, robinj 
mocking-bird, thrush, "cat-bird, woodpecker, jay, red-bird, 
sparrow, and several others. 

ROCKS, GRANITE, FREESTONE, SOAPsf ONE, LIIVIESTONE, 8ca 

Little of the geology of this section of country was 
known, till within a few years« At the time the pre- 
sent jail was begun, little idea was entertained of the ex- 

rstence.of the, finest ^ock for building within a mile of tb-«i 




•^m' 



i04> , ■'■■ _ ■ ■- ■•■...■•..•»■,; ,v •,■•;'■ .'.■■^^ 

'■;■".■ " ^'- '■' ■'\,:'''/^ ■^■^•■•'■*'f- ■ 

village. The vvaiis were commenced in brick ; but the 
■*'^ discovery of this quarry of granite induced the wish to % •, 

V ' substitute it for the brick ; which was immediately done, 

"^ The new court-house, just finished, is constructed altoge- 

ther of this stone, and produces a very fine efiect. The 
locks on Broad river, at the shoals, are all built of granite 
The whole of the district is bedded on this rock, which 
now and then appears above the surface. No limestone 
has been found in this district ; though a quarry of it has 
been opened in Spartanburg, only 82 miles from the up- 
per line of Union. Gneiss has been found in the upper 
part of the district, and quartz epidote, and pyrites, in se- 
veral parts. 

'^'; KAMES OF PLACES, INDIAN OK OTHER, WORTH ^'0T1CE. 

The principal streams here, have retained their original _ 
f« Indian names ; the Enoree and Pacolet. The Tyger river 

is said to have derived its name from a battle that took 
place on its banks, between a tiger and a bear. The tiger 
was found to be the victor, though sorely wounded ; the^ 
bear was killed. The Indian name of the river was Amoy- 
es-cheeh. Broad river was called by the natives of the" 
country, Es-wavv-pud-de-neh, or Line river, from its serv 
ing to mark the boundary of some of the tribes. 

MINERALS— METALS, &C. 

I, ,, The sulphate of iron is the only mineral yet found in t)ifj 

district- 



AMOUNT or TAXES. 'C- , /*'*'■ 

; yea 
4580 dollars 92 cents. 



During the last year, the amount of taxes^'paid -v^gir"!: ■■ 



V 



Major Samuel Otterson^ who distinguished himself o^'%*|v^L*'" 






♦ ' 



i!Ot> 



several occasions during the revolutionary war, is a natifc 
of this district. He now lives in Alabama. 

This gallant officer, on his way to join General Morgan, at 
the Cowpens, with a few badly mounted volunteers, find- 
ing on approaching the place, that the battle had begun, 
determined to halt his men near a cross road, which he 
knew the enemy would take on their retreat, and wait, 
either to make some prisoners if they were defeated, or to 
attempt to rescue our own men v*^ho might be prisoners in 
their hands. It was not long before a considerable body oi 
British horse were discovered, in full speed, coming down 
the road, which turned off at the ci'oss road. They ap- 
peared evidently to have been defeated. Major (then Cap- 
tain) Otterson, now proposed to his men to follow the ene- 
my, and attempt to make some prisoners ; but found only 
one man willing to join him. Having mounted him on the 
beat horse in the company, and well arming themselves, 
they pushed on after them. In the pursuit Capt. 0. pru- 
dently determined to keep at some distance in the rear until 
dark. He occasionally stopped at some of the houses oo 
the road, ascertained the situation, numbers, and distance 
of the enemy, and found his suspicions verified, that they 
had been defeated, and that tliese horsemen were part of 
Tarleton*s troop. Towards dusk, Capt. 0. and his com- 
panion pushed their horses still nearer the enemy ; and 
when it was dark, dashed in among them with a shoutj, 
fired their arms, and ordered them to surrender. The dark- 
ness prevented the enemy from knowing the number oi' 
those by whom they were surprised; and they immediately 
surrendered. They were required to diaujount, come for" 
ward, and deliver up tlieir arms ; which they did. Being- 
all secured, and a light struck, nothing could exceed the 
mortification of the British officer in command, when he 
found that he had surrendered to two men. 

But this was not the end of this gallant afiair. These 

B B 4 



Britisii trooperSj thirty in number, were ail conducted hy 
Capt. 0. and his brave coadjutor in safety into North Caro= 
lina, and delivered at head quarters prisoners of war. 

Several days had to elapse before this could be done ; 
during which time these two brave men never closed their 
eyes in sleep. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

Union suffered much during the revolution, from its e>:» 
posure to the depredations of the tories and Indians. CoL 
Williams, of the district of Ninety-six, on the ISth of Au- 
gust, 1780, attacked a considerable party of British and 
teries, at Musgrove's mills, on the Enoree river, south= 
west corner of the district. Col. Innis, of the South Caro» 
lina royalists, was wounded, and the whole of his party 
obliged to retire. Previous to this, (July 12th,) Sumter de- 
feated a detachment of British troops, and a large body of 
tjories, at Williams' plantation, near Broad river. In No- 
vember following, at the Fishdam ford, on the same river. 
Gen. Sumter, aided by the gallant Colonel Thomas Tay- 
lor, defeated Major Weyms, commanding a corps of infan- 
try and dragoons ; and took this officer prisoner. On the 
20th of the same month, occurred the noted battle of the 
Black stocks, at the crossing of the Tyger river, near 
the west line of the district ; where General Sumter de- 
feated Lieut. Colonel Tarleton, at the head of a con" 
siderable body of horse and infantry. The action wag 
severe, and obstinate. The killed and wounded of the 
British were many. Among the former were Major Money -» 
and Lieutenants Gibson and Cope. The Americans lost 
very few, but General Sumter received a wound, which for 
several motiths interrupted his gallant enterprises in behalf 
of the state. 

Frequent skirmishes occurred between the Americans 
and their adversaries about Enoree* Broad, and Tyger 



76d 



WILLIAMSBURG. 

HISTOaY OP THE SETTLEMENT — ORIGIN OF ITS NAME* 

This district was settled in 1733, by a people called the 
Scotch Irish, descendants of the covenanters of Scotland, 
who settled in the county of Downe, in Ireland, in the reign 
of Charles 11. ; where they remained about sixty years, 
when they emigrated to Williamsburg. 

The district was named in honor of King William III. ©t 
England, It was the scene of the iirst military operations 
of General Marion, and to its honor it can be asserted that 
the inhabitants, with the exception of one man. Joined his 
brigade. 

SITUATION, BOUNDARIES, AND EXTENT. 

Williamsburg lies entirely within the alluvial region, and 
is bounded on the southwest by the Santee river, which 
divides it from Charleston district j^on the northwest by a 
line commencing at a point on Santee river, extended across 
into Charleston district, S. 22^ W. until it intersects the 
line dividing St. Stephen's and St. John's, Berkley, at the 
Santee river ; thence N. 22$ E. with very little variation 
until it intersects Big Lynch's creek, at a point one mile 
and a quarter below the old saw-mill ferry, and opposite to 
the same line continued to the northeast boundary of the 
state, which divides this from Sumter district ; on the north> 
?Tast by Lynch's creek and the Great Pedee river, to Brit- 
ton and Bradley's ferry^^about|one mile and a^half| below 
Sockee swamp, which divides Williamsburg from Marion ; 
and on the southeast by the road leading across from Brit- 
ton and Bradley's ferry to Leneud's, now Gourdin^s 
ferry, on Santee river, which divides it from Georgetown^ 

KATURE OF THE SOIL—PRODUCTS— QUANTITY FEB ACHE- 

The uplands are sandy, with a clay bottom. The swamp 



ibb 

knils are composed of almost a pure soil, and some of a rich 
quality-o The products raise d for market are chiefly cotton ; 
the ayerage weight to the acre, clear of seed, is about 100 
pounds I indigo was formerly raised here for market, as 
also wheat, on the second low grounds. Now, besides cot- 
ton, there are cultivated corn, potatoes, and pease. The 
quantity per acre of corn is from 10 to 15 bushels, and of 
potatoes from 200 to 250 bushels. 

^RICE OF PROVISIONS, LABOR, LAND — DIVISION OP PRO- 
PERTY. 

The ^rice of corn and pease is from 50 cents to i^l a 
bushel. The price of laboring hands from 50 to ^60 a year 
and found. Lands vary in price ; but generally uplands are 
from 2 to ^3 per acre ; reclaimed inland swamps from 10 
to ^30. Property is perhaps more equally divided in this 
district than any other. 

DISTRICT TOWN— VILLAGES. 

Kingstree is the district town, and the seat of justice of 
Williamsburg. It is situate on the east bank of Black river, 
nearly at the head of navigation, it contains several 
dwellings, and a handsome brick court-house. The jail is 
also built of brick. The name of Kingstree is derived 
from a large white or short leaf pine tree? which stood on 
the bank of Black river near the bridge. 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHERWISE. 

On the waters of Lynch 's creek there are several lakes,, 
producing fish. The principal streams are Santee, naviga- 
ble for large boats the whole extent of the district ; Lynch's 
creek, also navigable its whole course through the district ; 
Black river, running through the heart of the district, and 
navigable the entire distance for boats carrying from 70 to SO 
bales of cotton. Black Mingo, navigable formerly for 



ib.i 

sloops to the site of the old Indian village, but now ob- 
structed by logs. The minor streams are Sockee swamp. 
Muddy creek, Sic. The velocity of the navigable streams 
is from one to two miles per hour, according to the state of 
the waters. 

TIMBER TREES — FRUIT TREES. 

The forests are made up principally of long leaf pine ; 
but, on the low lands, or in the swamps, are found the tu- 
pelo, cypress, ash, and beech. On the bluff of the swamp, 
oak and hickory. Sufficient attention is not paid to raising 
fruit trees, though these might be cultivated to great ad- 
vantage. The peach, pear, apple, fig, strawberry, black 
and red haw, watermelon, muskmelon, and various other 
fruits, grow here. 

€LIMATE DISEASES— LONGEVITY— -AVERAGE KUMBER OF 

DEATHS. 

Williamsburg ranges between the 3ist and 32d degrees 
of north latitude, and, except near the swamps, may be con- 
sidered healthy. The diseases prevalent in the autumn are 
bilious fevers. As an evidence of the favorable character 
of the climate, there are now living there many persons 
from 70 to 80 years old. The average deaths in the year 
are about 150. 

POPULATION. 

In 1800 this district contained 5,678 souls ; of which 
3 454 were slaves. In 18S0, the census gave it 8,716 ; of 
which 5,864 were slaves, and 57 were free blacks; exhibit- 
ing an increase, in this time, of upwards of 3,000 ; although 
many emigrations took place, during this interval, to 
/Alabama. These are not now so frequent ; local attach- 
ments are formed, and greater improvements have taken 
place in the country ; and these, joined to the increase in 



i bi> 

iue value of land m the western country, and the disajv 
pointment of man)^, who went to settle there, have all con- 
tributed to lessen emigration. The presumption now is, that 
this district will continue to increase in population^ as at 
least three times the quantity of land which is now under 
cultivation is capable of being brought into cultivation. 

I'ISH-— GAME— BIRDS MIGRATORY OR OTHERWISE. 

The waters of this district furnish a great variety of fish, 
such as trout, bream, perch, shad, and herring, in season, 
«StC. &LC. Of game, including birds, there are the deer, wild 
turkey, duck, wild pigeon, wild goose, and the other birds 
common to the countr3\ The migratory, are ducks, geese, 
and pigeons. 

MANUFACTURES, DOMESTIC OR OTHER OCCUPATION OF THE' 

INHABITANTS. 

The first are altogether for domestic purposes ; none for 
sale. The occupation of the inhabitants is principally ag- 
riculture. There are a few mechanics, such as are neces- 
sary for the purposes of the district. 

CATTLE SWINE, &C. THEIR VALUE. 

Several hundred head of neat cattle, besides hogs, are 
annually sent to Charleston market. Beef costs from 10 to 
^15 ; hogs about ^4 a hundred weight. 

NUMBER OF POOR — EXPENSE OP THEM— BISTILLERIES. 

There are about twenty paupers, and the expense of sup- 
porting them is about gl,100. There are no distilleries 
in this district. 

AMOUNT OF TAXES. 

The taxes paid by this district yearly, amounts to about 
^5,793, 



769 

iiCUCATION— SCHOOLS — PUBLIC AND PRIVATii;. 

Education is improving: there are several private schools 
in the district, besides eight public schools, supported at the 
expense of the state ; in which poor children are educated 
gratis. The commissioners' returns, between IS 21 and 
1824, show an average of 203 poor children yearly educat- 
ed, at an annual expense of more than g400. 

NUMBER AND CLASS OP RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The Presbyterians are the most numerous ; the number 
of communicants in that church is nearly 300. The Me- 
thodists are the next in number. This church counts about 
2€0 communicants. There are a few Baptists in the district. 

EMINENT MEN. 

Williamsburg gave birth to Major John James, who so 
highly distinguished himself in the revolutionary war, un- 
der General Marion ; his son, at present one of the Judges 
of the state, is also a native of this district. William, Gavin> 
Robert and James, his brothers, were all brave and faithful 
patriots ; Captain William McCotry, Henry Muzon, John 
MeCauley, Joseph Scott, Sergeant McDonald, John Erwin^ 
John Baxter, and Alexander Swinton, were all enterprising 
and faithful soldiers of the revolution. 

CUSTOMS— AMUSEMENTS. 

The people of this district are not distinguished for anj 
peculiar customs. Neither horse -racing, nor gambling, is 
a)mmon among them. 

NAMES OP PLACES— INDIAN OR OTHBKWISE, 

/Some of the rivers retain their original names ; as the 
Pp-dee and Waccamaw. The Indian name of Black river is 
Wynee, Black Mingo creek derives its name from a trib^ 



770 ' 

of Indians who inhabited the country between the swamps 
of Mingo and Indian town. The Indian name of Lynch's 
creek is Kad-de-paw river. In the fork of Indian town and 
Black Mingo swamp, there is still to be seen the site of the 
old Mingo town. 

aOCKS-p-GRANITE— FREESTONE— LIMESTONE, &C„— MINE- 
RALS— MINES. 

A vein of shell limestone passes through this district, 
from W. to N. E. and E. Marine productions are found 
every where in digging; but neither granite, free, or flint- 
stone, metals, or minerals, are to be seen. 

LIBRARIES— AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES — STATE OF THE 
ARTS AND LITERATURE. 

There is a subscription library established at Kingstree., 
but no society yet formed for the improvement of agricul- 
ture, so very important to its interests. Literature and the 
fine arts have received little attention. 

MATERIALS FOR BUILDING. 

The timber is very fine and abundant throughout the dis- 
trict. There is very good clay, also, for making bricks ; 
and lime can be obtained by burning the shell limestone. 

WASTE LAND— SWAMPS — QUANTITY RECLAIMED. 

Of these great quantities exist ; valuable at nresent only 
as cattle ranges. But a small extent of su this 

district is yet reclaimed ; some, though er. still 

subject to freshets. These swamps are ver} nd 

valuable, especially on the principal stream 'is 

should be taken to reclaim them,* 

* There are, at this time, about 500 acres of swamp lai 
and under cultivation ; and are found to be very product 
sttentioB is said to be msnifesting itself to this in'ipo?tsiit& 



WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SEExVI TO BE WANTING. 
[See Beaufort district.] 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

The year 1818 was remarkably wet. In 1S22 a severe 
storm occurred ; the crops were much injured, and half the 
trees in the lower parts of the district, were prostrated. 

The common depth of the wells is from 15 to 20 feet. 

There are some old Indian mounds still to be seen near 
the edge of Santee swamp, about nine miles above Leneud's 
(now Gourdin's) ferrj^. 



YORK. 

HISTORY OF THE SETTLEMENT— ORIGIN OF ITS NAME 

This section of country was settled about the year 17603 
principally fi'om Pennsylvania and Virginia. Its name 
may be traced to York in Pennsylvania, from whence some 
of the first settlers came, 

SITUATION, boundaiiib:s, and extent. 

The situation of this district is on the northern bounda- 
ry line of the state, which divides it from North Carolina^ 
The Broad river bounds the district on the W. the Cataw- 
ba on the E. and Chester district on the S. Its average 
length from east to west, is about thirty three miles ; from 
south to north twenty-one miles, and it contains 443,520 
square acres. 

NATURE OF THE SOIL— PRODUCTS. 
The soil is mostly clay^ and well adapted to agricultural 
purposes, being equally suited to the culture of the grains^, 
or grasses, as to cotton. 

The attention of the planters has been devoted chiefly 
to the cultivation of cotton ; this being most lucrative^ 
Fine wheat, corn, rye, and sometimes tobacco are alsts 
r c 4 



772 

raised. The average quantity to the acre is, oi cottoo 
150 weight ; of wheat 12 bushels ; of corn 20 ; rye 12» 
York district embraces a fine tract of country undula- 
ting, healthy, and interesting, from the circumstance of the 
locality of the Catawba Indian settlement ; which lies most- 
ly within its bounds. 

DISTRICT TOWN. 

The district town is called Yorkville, and is the seat of 
justice. It is situated centrally to the district, on the di- 
viding ridge between the waters of Broad and Catawba 
rivers. The village is regularly laid out in squares ; and 
contains, by the census taken in 1823, 292 whites, and 
159 blacks i total 451. Of these there are 52 mechanicsj, 
8 lawyers, 2 physicians, and 1 clergyman. There are S 
stores, 5 taverns, a male and female academy, post office, 
and a printing office, which issues 2 papers weekly ; one 
devoted to agricultural subjects. The number of houses 
is about 80. \ ., 

The new court-house just finished is an elegant structure, 
built of stone and brick ; the offices in the basement story 
are made fire-proof. The court and jury rooms, on the 
principal floor are communicated with, by a double fiight 
of granite steps, ascending to a portico of the Doric order ; 
through which you pass into a vestibule, and from thence 
into the court room. This room is spaeious, convenient^ 
and airy; amphitheatrical in its form, with a segment sphe= 
rical ceiling. The jury rooms are so arranged, that the 
space above them, and the vestibule, serves the purposes of 
a roomy gallery for spectators. The building, including 
the portico, is 160 feet long, and 43 feet wide. 

The jail is a plain brick building. There are several neat 
private houses in and near the village ; one formerly be- 
longing to Judge Smith, now the female academy^ has & 
handsome appearance. The academies are in a flourishing 
state. The same branches of useful education are taught 
!tere as ia the most respectable seminaries ©f learning in the 



77^ 



state. The increasing prosperity of this village, its salu- 
brious site, interesting scenery, contiguity to the mountains, 
and cheapness of living, veill have a tendency t© give it a 
preference in the minds of those- who are seeking residence 
jn the upper countr)^ 

There are no other settlements, as villages, in the district, 
except the Indian settlements on Catawba river. These In- 
dians have two towns ; the most important is called New- 
town, situated immediately on the river ; the other is on the 
opposite side, and is called Turkey head. The Indian lands 
occupy an extent of country on both sides of the river, equal 
to 180 square miles, or 115,200 square acres. Themostof 
this has been disposed of by them to the whites, in leases 
for ninety-nine years — renewable. The rent of each plan- 
tation is from 10 to ^^20 per annum. The annual income 
from this source must be at least v^5,000 ; which, if pru- 
dently managed, would soon place the Indians in a state of 
comfort ; for the whole number of families does not exceed 
30, or about 110 individuals. These wretched Indians, 
though they live in the midst of an industrious people^ 
and in an improved state of society, will be Indians stilL 
They often dun for their rent before it is due ; and the 
ten or twenty dollars received are spent in a debauch ; 
poverty, beggary, and misery, then follow for a year. 
Their lands are rich ; but they will not work ; they receive 
large sums as rent, but they cannot save money. Though 
the plan of civilizing the adult Indians, is almost hopeless, 
yet the favorable result, in other places, of endeavours to 
civilize the children, encourages us to anticipate equal 
success in the pursuit of the same object here. Let us trust 
that there will be found a disposition in our legislature, to 
give this subject a serious consideration ; and to take early 
mepfsures to save from ruin, the remnant of this interesting 
people. The Catawba nation could, at the first settle- 
ment of the state, muster 1500 fighting men ; at present 
their warriors do not exceed 30= 



With all their imprudence, these Indians have had sense 
enough to reserve for their children a rich tract of land on 
the river, called King's bottom. * 

LAKES, CREEKS, STREAMS, NAVIGABLE OR OTHER- 
WISE. 
York district is bounded on both sides by navigable 
streams; namely, the Broad river, up to the 99 islands, and 
the Catawba. This circnmstance is of great importance 
to the agricultural interests of the district, affording it seve- 
ral advantages over some of the adjacent districts. These 
will be increased when the obstructious of Rocky mount 
are overcome (which is now carrying into execution by the 
state).. The land carriage from the court-house, or any 
other point of the district, to a navigable stream, does not 
exceed 13 miles. The produce may then be conveyed in 
boats carrying 40 or 50 bales of cotton, even to the city of 
Charleston, 

VALUE OF LAND—DIVISION OF PKOPEKTY, &C. 

The value of land varies from 8 to ^10 : and for choice 
spots, as high as ^20 per acre. Property is pretty much 
divided. The price of grain and cotton is as follows f 
wheat gl per bushel : corn 50 cents : and cotton about 10 
cents per pound. Columbia is the only market of the district. 

TIMBER TREES, FRUIT TREES, &c. 
The timber trees are chiefly the various kinds ofoak,pop- 
lar, hickory, chesnut, and a little short leaf pine. Some spots 
are very rich in several varieties of trees of prodigious 
growth. I have seen near the banks of the Catawba, (where 
there is some most delightful land,) noble oaks of several 
kinds,hickory, of the common and the shell bark species, ash^ 
beech, the beautiful tulip tree or poj)lar, (liris dendrum tu- 

* Under the head of Natural History of the state will be found a 
rnoreparticular account of these Indians, and apian for bettering their 
condition. 



775 



lipefera,) the sycamore, sassafias, dogwood, ironwood, 
hackbery, walnut, buckeye, or horse chesnut, and redbud, 
mixed with a few small pines. The cucumber tree abounds 
here, and the magnolia (acuminata) ; also the paupau (or ar- 
nona), and some sugar trees; one of which has been 
measured, and girthed 10 feet round, or 3 feet through. It 
had been many times tapped, and sugar formerly made 
from he juice. 

Brydone has told us a great deal about a wonderful ches- 
nut tree (the castenea di cento cavalli). We cannot equal 
this production of Mount Etna, but we have some trees 
that deserve to be mentioned. At Mr. Campbell's, near 
the little Catawba creek, is a sycamore (the platana occi- 
dentalis), which, at three feet from the ground, measured 
28 feet round, or 9 feet diameter. L:ke Brydone's tree 
it has three forks, or prongs ; each equal to a high tree. 

The fruit trees include several kinds of apples, pears, 
peaches, cherries ; besides chesnuls, shell barks, walnuts. 
■&C. The sefison of flowering is in May, 

EXPENSES OE LIVING PRICE OF LABOR. 

Thee>:pe.\ises of boarding in the country are very mode- 
rate ; from 50 to ^100 per annum. In the village (at the 
public houses), it is from 2 to $3 per week. The pnce of 
labor, for common field hands, Js from S to iSiOperinonth; 
for mechanics, per day, SI 50. 

CLLMATE— DISEASES— INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY. 

This district experiences a temperature of air, both sum- 
mer and winter, that places it for residence in a very favor- 
able point of view. The sumaier heats are not oppressive ; 
and the nights are cool and refreshing. The winters are 
mild ; and from the position of the mountains it is much 
sheltered from the cold northwest winds, which prevail at 
that season. The character of the diseases here is of the 
chronic kind. Intermittent fevers prevail along the mar- 
gins of the streams. Several instances of longevity occur r 
mzny whose ages exceed 70, and one above 100, 



776 



POLICE — STATE OF THE ROADS, BRIDGES, TAVERNS, &C. 

The police is the same as that of the state generally ; the 
taverns are not very numerous, but respectable ; the roads, 
bridges, and ferries, are in passable order. 

MANUFACTURES. 

^ Domestic manufactures are much in vogue : but there 
are no regular manufacturing establishments in the district.-^ 

EXPENSES OF TRANSPORTATION. 

The price of transportation of produce to market, now 

done by wagons) is at the rate ^1 per hundred to Columbia; 

from thence it is sent by water to Charleston ; for return 

goods the price is at the rate of 75 cents per hundred 

pounds. 

OCCUPATION OF THE INHABITANTS. 

The inhabitants of this district are all planters and far- 
mers ; except a few professional men and mechanics. 

POPULATION. 

The population of the district when the census was taken 
in 1S20, was as follows ; 10,251 whites, 4590 slaves, and 
95 free blacks ; total 14,936. This number has increased 
considerably in 5 years, although emigrations still take 

place. 

CATTLE, SHEEP, HOGS. 

As agriculture is not yet reduced to a system here, lit- 
tle attention is paid to the raising of stock. The people de- 
pend upon their more northern neigbbours to supply them 
with cattle, horses, and hogs. 

;' ~ • , PISH— GAME- — BIRDS. 

The streams abound in fish of various kinds, such as the 
shad, (in season) trout, red-horse, rock, &c. The birds 
are the partridge, dove, mocking-bird, crow, hawk, owl^ 
and many others ; besides those that visit us at certain sea- 
sons, as wild pigeons, geese, ducks, and the whippoorwilL 



777 



EXPENSES OF THE POOR. 

For the support of the poor there is imposed a tax of at 
least 5 per cent, per annum on the general tax. 

There are no distilleries in the district except a few small 
private stills for family use= 

EDUCATION. 

Respectable academies for the education of male and fe- 
male youth are established at the village. There are three 
other academies, besides schools in different parts of the 
district, independent of the free schools established by the 
state, where the children of the poor are educated gratis. 
Near |>1000 are annually disbursed for this purpose ; and 
near 200 children annually receive the benefits of instruc- 
tion, 

RELIGIOUS SECTS. 

The Presbyterians are the most numerous religious sect io 
the district. Next to these are the Methodists ; then the 
Baptists ; then the Episcopalians. There are 5 churches 
within the Indian lands.* 

EMINENT MEN. 

First in our recollection should be those worthy men 
who devoted their lives and fortunes in the defence of the 
state during the eventful period of the revolutionary war. 
Amongst these we find the names of Lacy, Hill, Britton^ 
Brannon, Hamwright, &c. all resident in and near the dis- 
trict^ and whose fame is recorded on the page of history, 

* In passing by the burial ground of this district it will be seen that 
much respect is paid to the dead. The traveller counts upwards of 50 
tombstones neatly cut, and lettered, which resemble marble. Some 
ar& blue, some gray. The gray are of soapstone, found on the Ca- 
tawba at the old nation ford. The blue stone is found in King's 
mountain, and is a limestone, admitting of a fine polish. There iea 
a'ood workman in the villaffe, who furnishes these Kiemoxialg cf the 



778 

Js^AMES OF PLACES -INDIAN OR OTHERWISE. 

None of the Tfrdian names of places have been preservedj 
if we except that of the Catawba. 

Under this head, however, we may notice those in the 
district famous in the history of our revolution. The first 
in importance is King's mountain. The battle ground lies 
N. 30° W. 12 miles from the court house. The road lead- 
ing to it is a kind of byway, and very hilly. 

This fatal hill is a long stony ridge, very narrow at the 
top, and about one mile in length. Along this ridge, in 
its whole extent, the British, under Major Ferguson, and 
500 tories were posted ; the whole about 1300 men. What 
could have induced Ferguson to occupy such ground as 
this, is hard to conjecture. It was a stony spot, on which 
lines could not be thrown up ; and so narrow that a man 
standing on it may be shot from either side. It is true 
there was plenty of wood to form abatis ; but Ferguson took 
no precautions, and remained in perfect security. The 
supply of water too was inconvenient to procure ; nor could 
the country, wild as it then was, and indeed is now, furnish 
anything like a reg'ilar supply of provisions. Yet in this 
dreary and unpromising place did Ferguson remain three 
weeks, inactive and exposed. 

The battle that ensued was fought with no common 
energy ; burnings, robberies, and murders had roused the 
whigs and tories to deeds of mutual vengeance. There was 
no quarter promised nor expected.* Three times did the 
Britons charge with bayonet down the hill ; as often did 
the Americans retreat ; and the moment the Britons turned 
their backs, the Americans shot from behind every tree^ 
and every rock, and laid them prostrate. 

I was shown the path by which near 300 tories foi'ced 
llieir way and escaped ; it is presumed that the republicans 
did not know where they werepostedj and that part of the 

* The baitis began between S and 9 o'clock ia the morning', ant? 
';ontinued til) night.. 



77y 

oamp happened not to be attacked. The American force, 
(mountain men, as they werecalledj and all,) was 931 meiiy 
when mustered. Of these only 600 came into battle. This 
I had from - — — — , who was in the action, and an officer. 
When the British found themselves pressed on all sides, 
they determined to surrender, and hung out white hand- 
kerchiefs upon guns and haiberts. Few of the Americans 
understood the signal, and the few that did, chose not to 
know what it meant ; so that, even after submission, the 
slaughter continued, until the Americans were weary of 
killing ; the few survivors were marched away prisoners ; 
but of these ten or twelve were hanged. It is supposed 
there were 375 royal militia killed and wounded, and 11 
British, independent of many prisoners ; the American loss 
was small.* The victors dreading the arrival of Tarleton^ 
who was only about two days march distant, hastened from 
the scene of action ; nor durst they attend to bury the dead, 
or to take care of the wounded ; many of whom were seen 
"upon the ground two days after the battle, imploring a little 
water to cool their burning tongues ; but they were left to 
perish here : and this long hill was whitened with their 
bones. The vulture and the wolf divided their carcasses 
between them ; and so audacious had the latter grown, that 
they in some cases showed a disposition to attack living 
men. These miserable remains of humanity lay promiscu= 
ously scattered on the mountain until 1816, when a few 
good citizens agreed to collect and bury them. 

They selected a slab of the mountain, and on one side 
cut the name of Ferguson; on the other, those of the 
Americans that contributed to his falL 

* It appears that in shooting, marksmen in a valley have the advan- 
, tage of those on a hill; this may be owing to the terrestrial refraction, 
•^he hunters inform me, that though apprised of this, they often shoot 
too high when they are above their object. Be this as it may, the 
Enghsh shot whistled over the heads of the Americans, vvhije their^* 
took dreadful effect, 

]i B 4 



King's iiiountain extends about 16 miles from north to 
south, and its spurs spread laterally in many directions. I 
had a view of the highest peak through a good telescope, 
from a place 12 miles N. 30° W. of York. The mountain 
pinnacle then bore N. 20° E. eight miles distant—that is, 
almost north from York. The view enabled me to form a 
correct idea of its real form. From a vast mountain base 
this rocky tower rises almost perpendicular. On the left, 
or western side, a huge mass projects over about 100 yards. 

There is but one way by which this lofty peak can be 
ascended ; in every other direction it bids defiance to the 
access of man or beast. A few years since, the wolves be- 
came very troublesome to the inhabitants ; and they, in 
consequence, turned out to extirpate them. There was but 
one pass ; this the hunters occupied; A herd of deer were 
hemmed in upon the summit of this cloud-capped rock; and, 
urged by the hunters and their dogs, they plunged from the 
lofty precipice, and were all killed. 

Allowing for the deception of vision, at eight miles dis* 
tance, I should suppose this rocky spire one thousand feet 
above the mountain. Col. Hamwright, who was wounded 
in the knee at the battle, lives on King's mountain, and is 
now old and infirm. 

HOCKS — GKANITE— LIME — STONES, &.C.— MATERIALS FOR 
BUILDING. 

In rocks and stones this district is not at all deficient. 
Granite, compact limestone, marble, soapstone, and iron- 
stone are abundant. 

King's mountain abounds in limestone and marble. The 
sOapstone is found at Catawba old nation ford. The granite 
is widely scattered over the country. Of iron ore, there is 
enough to supply the world. There is a mine near Hill's 
old iron-works that is inexhaustible ; it rises like a moun- 
tain in the plain, and is quite isolated ; from the top of it 
vou have a commandina: view for about twentv miles round. 



m\ 



The whole is an entire mass of iron ore, about two miles in 
circuit. 

Hill's works were in operation about thirty years, but 
the ore was not considered productive enough, and the 
work was discontinued. During the revolutionary war 
Col. Hill cast cannon and ball for the whigs, which so en- 
raged the tories, that they beset his house in the night, and 
burned his works. They were, however, rebuilt, and used 
for many years afterwards. The lime for fluxing the ore 
was brought from King's creek, near Broad river, called 
Jackson's, properly Stoup's, furnace. 

Besides the soapstone, granite, and limestone, there is 
excellent clay for making brick for building, and equal 
to any in the state, both for durability and beauty. The 
v(^alls of the new court-house are built of this material, and 
show the quality of the brick. Lime is procured from King's 
mountain, of an excellent kind ; it was purchased for the 
court-house, at the kilns, for twenty-five cents per bushel. 
The bricks were furnished for the same, at ^7 per thousand. 
Lumber averages ^10 per thousand feet. 

WASTE LANDS, &C. 

There are no waste lands, properly speaking, in the dis- 
trict ; for those low lands, subject to be overflowed by 
freshets, furnish fine pastures for cattle. The richness of 
these low grounds is immense. The highlands are yet so 
plenty and productive, that the people do not think this 
worth the trouble of banking in ; but the time is not remote 
when they will think and act differently on this subject. 

WHAT IMPUOVEMENTS SEEM TO BE WANTING. 

In a comparatively new country, like this, improvements 
in almost every department, domestic and public, are want- 
ing. But this is the work of time, and we are induced to 
hope there is a spirit for improvement in the citizens, which 
will eventually place this district upon a respectable footing 
in its navigation, agriculture, education, society and arts. 



782 



SOCIETIES — ^STATE OP LITERATURE, &.C. TAXES. 

An agricultural society is proposed to be established here, 
which, with the academies instituted, and the general sys- 
tem of instruction inculcated, will necessarily improve the 
state of the arts and literature. 

This district pays into the treasury of the state annually 
in taxes upwards of '^4680. 

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 

King's mountain gives birth to many streams. It is the 
dividing ridge between the waters of Broad and Catawba 
rivers; and indeed extendsto the Ninety-nine islands in the 
former; but in very many scattered spurs and knobs. 
King's creek heads in the main, lofty knob of King's 
mountain ; and after running a southwest course of above 
16 miles, empties into Broad river, at the Cherokee ford, 
just below the Ninety-nine islands. This high peak of 
King's mountain is named Crowder's knob, and from its 
elevated precipice bursts Crowder's creek of Catawba; which 
pursues a southeast course upwards of 18 miles, before it 
falls into the Catawba, at Mason's feriy. In this mountain 
also rises Clark's fork of Bullock's creek. Allison's creek 
heads in a hill, called Henry's Knob, which lies a little to 
the S. of E. of King's mountain, and runs into the Catawba 
opposite Long Island, at Thorn's ferry. Fishing creek 
rises two miles north of the court-house, and empties into 
the Catawba, a little above the United States establishment. 
The heads of Turkey creek are within one and three miles 
northwest of the village ; and it empties into the Broad 
river at Love's ford, below Lockart's shoals. 

In this district the white clover abounds spontaneously. 
Our planters and farmers, in the upper country at least, will 
find it their interest to cultivate the grasses most conge- 
nial to their soil and climate, as soon as the range besrins to 
fail, which indeed it already does. 

THE END. 



APFENBIX. 



To all manner of people. Know ye, that we the casfeiques, natural 
born heirs and sole owners and proprietors of great and lesser Casors 
lying on the river of Kyewaw, the river of Stono, and the fresher of 
the river of Edistoh, doe, for us, ourselves and subjects and vassals, 
demise, sell, grant, and forever quit and resign, the whole parcels of 
land called by the name and names of great and little Casor with all 
the timber of said land, and all manner of the appurtenances any way 
belonging to any part or parts of the said land or lands, unto the 
Right Honourable Anthony Earle. of Shaftsbury, Lord Baron Ashley, 
of Winboon, St. Gyles's, Lord Cooper of Pawlett, and to the rest 
of the lords proprietors of Carolina, for and in consideration of a valu- 
able parcel of cloth, "hatchets, brads, and other goods and manufac- 
tures, now received at the hands of Andrew Percivall, Gent, in full 
satisfaction of and for these our territories, lands, and royalties, with 
all manner the appurtenances, privileges, and dignities, any manner 
of way to us, ourselves or vassals belonging. In confirmation where- 
of we the said cassiques have hereunto set our hands, and affixed our 
seals, this tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord God one thou- 
sand six hundred seventie and five, and in the twenty-eighth year of 
the reign of Charles the second of Great Britain, France and Ire- 
land, King, defender of the faith, &c. 

Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of us. 
[Here follow the names and marks of the parties to the transaction J 

B. 

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 

OP AMERICA. 

We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more per- 
fect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquillity, provide for 
the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the 
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and es- 
tablish this constitution for the United States of America. 

ARTICLE I LEGISLATURE. 

Sec. 1— -All legislative powers herein granted, shall be vested in a 

A 



Congress of the United States, which shall consist of s Senate and 
House of Representatives. 

Sec. 2 — The house of representatives shall consist of members 
chosen every second year by the people of tha several states, and the 
electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for elec- 
tors of the most numerous branch of the state legislature. 

No person shall be a representative, who shall not have attained 
the age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the 
United States ; and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of 
that state in which he shall be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes, shall be apportioned among the 
several states, which may be included within this union, according to 
their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the 
whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a 
terra of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other 
persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within three years 
after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States ; and 
within every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they 
shall by law direct. The number of representatives shall not exceed 
one for every thirty thousand, but each state shall have at least one 
representative ; and until such enumeration shall be made, the state 
of New-Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three ; Massachusetts 
eight; Rhode Island and Providence plantations one; Connecticut 
five; New- York six; New- Jersey four; Pennsylvania eight; Dela- 
ware one; Maryland six; Virginia ten; North Carolina five; 
South-Carolina five ; and Georgia three. 

When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the 
executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fiU such 
vacancies. 

The house of representatives shall choose their speaker and other 
officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment. 

Sec. 3 — The Senate of the United States shall be composed of 
two Senators from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof for 
six years ; and each Senator shall have one vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the 
Srst election, they shall be divided, as equally as may be, into three 
classes. The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated 
at the expiration of the second year ; of the second class, at the ex- 
piration of the fourth year; and of the third class, at the expiratioE 
of the sixth year; so that one third maybe chosen every second year. 
And if vacancies happen by resignation or otherwise, during the re- 
cess of the legislature of any state, the executive thereof may make 



temporary appointments until the next meeting of the legislature-. 
which shall then fill such vacancies. 

No person shall be a senator wIjo shall not have attained the age 
of thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States; 
and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state, for 
which he shall be chosen. 

The vice-president of the United States shall be president of the 
senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided. 

The senate shall choose their otlier officers, and also a president 
protempore, in the absence of the vice-president, or when he shall 
exercise the office of president of the United States. 

The senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. 
When sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation* 
When the president of the United States is tried, the chief justice 
shall preside ; — And no person shall be convicted, without the con- 
currence of two thirds of the members present. 

Judgment in cases of impeachment, shall not extend further than 
to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any of" 
fice of honor, trust or profit, under the United States. But the par- 
ty convicted shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment? 
trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law. 

Sec. 4 — The times, places, and manner of holding elections for 
senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state, by the 
legislature thereof; but the congress may, at any time, by law, make 
or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing senators. 

The congress shall assemble at least once in every year ; and such 
meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall, 
by law, appoint a different day. 

Sec. 5 — Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns 
and qualifications of its own members ; and a majority of each shall 
constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may ad 
journ from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the atten- 
dance of absent members in such manner, and under such penalties, 
as each house may provide. 

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings; punish its 
members forMisorderly behaviour; and with the concurrence of two 
thirds, expel a member. 

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time 
to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in their judg- 
ment, require secrecy : And the yeas and nays of the members of 
either house, on any question, shall, at the desire of one fifth of those 
present, be entered on the journal. 

Neither house, during the session of congress, shall, without the 



consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any 
other place than that, in which the two houses shall be sitting. 

Sec. 6 — The senators and representai ives shall receive a compen- 
sation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of 
the treasury of the United States. They shall, in all cases except 
treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrestj 
during their attendance at the session of their respective houses, and 
in going to, and returning from the same : And for any speech or de- 
bate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place. 

No senator or representative shall, during the time for which he 
was elected, be appointed to any civil office, under the authority of 
the United States, whch shall have been created, or the emoluments 
of which shall have been increased, during such time; and no person 
holding any office under the United States, shall be a member of 
either house, during his continuance in office. 

Sec 7 — All bills for raising revenue, shall originate in the house 
of representatives; but the senate shall propose or concur with 
amendments as on other bills. 

Every bill which shall have passed the house of representatives and 
the senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the presi- 
dent of the United States: If he approve, he shall sign it; but if not, 
he shall return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall 
have originated, who shall enter the objections at large, on their 
journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, 
two thirds of that house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, 
together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall 
likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of that houscj 
it shall become a law. But in all such cases, the votes of both 
houses shall be determined by yeas and nays ; and the names of the 
persons voting for and against the bill, shall be entered upon the 
journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned 
by the president within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall 
have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner 
as if he had signed it, unless the congress, by their adjournment, pre- 
vent its return ; in which case it shall not be a law. 

Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of the 
senate and house of representatives may be necessary (except on a 
question of adjournment) shall be presented to the president of the 
United States ; and before the same shall take effect, be approved 
by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds 
of both houses, according to the rules and limitations prescribed io 
the case of a bill. 

Sec 8 — The congress shall have power^^ 



To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the 
debts and provide for the common defence and general welfare of the 
United States ; but all duties, imposts and excises, shall be uniform 
throughout the United States. 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States. 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the seve- 
ral states, and with the Indian tribes. 

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization ; and uniform laws on 
the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States. 

To coin money, to regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin; 
and fix the standard of weights and measures. 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and 
current coin of the United States. 

To establish post-offices and post-roads. 

To promote .the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for 
limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their 
respective writings and discoveries. 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court. 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high 
seas, and offences against the law of nations. 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make 
rules concerning captures on land and water. 

To raise and support armies. But no appropriation of money for 
that use shall be for a longer term than two years. 

To provide and maintain a navy. 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and 
naval forces. 

To provide for calling forth the mditia te execute the laws of the 
Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciphning the mihtia, and 
for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of 
the United States ; reserving to the states, respectively, the appoint- 
ment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia accord- 
ing to the discipline prescribed by congress. 

To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over such 
district (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of par 
ticular states, and the acceptance of congress, become the seat of the 
governnaent of the United States; and to exercise like authority over 
all/places purchased^by the consent of the legislature of the state, in 
which the same shall be, for the erection efforts, magazines, arsenals, 
dock-yards, and other needful buildings; and 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying 
jnt® execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by 



this constitution, in the government of the United States, or any de- 
partment or officer thereof. 

Sec. 9 — The migration or importation of such persons as any of 
the states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be pro- 
hibited by the congress, prior to the year one thousand eight hundred 
and eight ; but a tax may be imposed on such importation, not ex- 
ceeding ten dollars for each person. 

The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, 
unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may 
require it- 
No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. 

No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion 
to the census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken. 

No tax or duties shall be laid on articles exported from any state. 
No preference shall be given by any regulaion of commerce or re- 
. venue, to the ports of one state, over those of another; nor shall ves- 
sels bound to or from one state, be obliged to enter,^clear, or pay du- 
ties in another. 

No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of 
appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement and account of 
the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published 
from time to time. 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States ; 
and no person holding any office of profit or trust under them, 
shall, without the consent of congress, accept of any present, 
emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, 
prince, or foreign state. 

Sec. 10 — No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or con- 
federation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; 
emit bills of credit ; make any thing but gold and silver coin a 
tender in payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post 
facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant 
any title of nobility.- 

No state shall, without the consent of congress, lay any im- 
posts or duties on imports or exports, except what may be abso- 
lutely necessary for executing its inspection laws ; and the net 
produce of all duties and imposts laid by any state on imports or 
exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the United States* 
and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control 
of congress. No state shall, without the consent of congress, 
lay any duty on tonnage, keep troops or ships of war, in time of 
peace, enter into any agreement or compact, with another state, or 



with a foreign power, or engage in war^ unless actually invaded, or 
in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay. 

ARTICLE II. EXECUTIVE. 

Sec. 1 — The executive power shall be vested in a president of the 
United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term 
of four years, and, together with the vice-president, chosen for the 
same term, be elected as follows : 

Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof 
may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of senators 
and representatives, to which the state may be entitled in the con- 
gress. But no senator or representative, or person holding any ofBce 
of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an 
elector. 

The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by bal- 
lot for two persons, one of whom at least, shall not be an inhabitant 
of the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all 
the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each; which 
list they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of 
government of the United States, directed to the president of the 
senate. The president of the senate shall, in the presence of the 
senate and house of representaiives, open all the certificates, and the 
votes shall then be counted. The person having the greatest num- 
ber of votes shall be the president, if such number be a majority of 
the whole number of electors appointed ; and if there be more than 
one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then 
the house of representatives shall immediately choose by ballot one 
of them for president; and if no person have a"majority, then, from 
the five highest on the list, the said house shall in like manner, choose 
the president. But in choosing the president, the votes shall be taken 
by states, the representation from each state having one vote ; a 
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from 
two-thirds of the states ; and a majority of all the states shall be ne- 
cessary to a choice. In every case, after choice of the president, the 
person having the greatest number of votes of the electors, shall be 
the vice-president. But if there should remain two or more who have 
equal votes, the senate shall choose from them, by ballot, the vice- 
president. 

The congress may determine the time of choosing electors, and 
tMe day on which they shall give their votes; which day shall be the 
same throughout the United States. 

No person, except a natural born citizen of the United States, at 
the time of the adoption of tliiss constitution, shall be eligible to the 



office of president. Neither shall any person be eligible to that office, 
who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and beefi 
fourteen years a resident within the United States. 

In case of the removal of the president from office, or of his death, 
resignation, or inabihty to discharge the powers and duties of the said 
office, the same shall devolve on the vice-president; and the congress 
may, bylaw, provide for the case of removal, death, or inability, both 
of the president and vice-president, declaring what officer shall then 
act as president ; and such officer shall act accordingly, until the 
disabihty be removed, or a president shall be elected. 

The president shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a com- 
pensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the 
period for which he shall have been elected ; and he shall not receive, 
. within that period, any other emolument from the United States, or 
any of them. 

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the fol- 
lowing oath or affirmation : 

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the 
office of president of the United States ; and will, to the best of my 
ability, preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United 
States." 

Sec. 2 — The president shall be commander in chief of the army 
and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, 
when called into the actual service of the United States. He may 
require the opinion in writing of the principal officers in each of the 
executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of 
their respective offices; and he shall have power to grant reprieves 
and pardons, for offences agamst the United States, except in cases 
of impeachment. 

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the 
senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the senators present 
concur ; and he shall nommate, and by and with the advice and con- 
sent of the senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers, 
and consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other officers of the 
United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provid- 
ed for, and which shall be established by law. But the congress may, 
by law, vest the appointment of such inferior officers as they think 
proper, in the president alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of 
departments. 

The president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may 
happen during the recess of the senate, by granting commissions 
which shall expire at the end of their next session. 
Sec. 3 — He shall from time to time give to the consfress informa- 



tion of the State of the Union, and recommend to their consideration 
such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, 
on extraordinary occasions, convene both houses, or either of them, 
and in case of disagreement between them, A'ith respect to the time 
of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think 
proper; he shall receive ambassadors, and other public ministers; he 
shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall com- 
mission all the officers of the United States. 

Sec, 4— The president, vice president, and all civil officers of the 
United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and 
conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemean- 
ors r 

ARTICLE III. JUDICIARY. 

Sec. 1.. — The Judicial power of the United States shall be vested 
in one supreme court, and in such inferior courts as the congress 
may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the 
supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good be. 
haviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their services, a com- 
pensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in 
office. 

Sec. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and 
equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the United States, 
and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority; 
to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls; 
to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to controversies 
to which the United States shall be a party ; to controversies between 
two or more states, between a state and citizens of another state, be- 
tween citizens of different states, between citizens of the same state, 
claiming lands under grants of difTerent stales, and between a state* 
or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambassadors or public ministers and consuls, 
and those in which a state shall be a party, the supreme court shall 
have original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, 
the supreme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and 
fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the congress 
shall make. 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by 
jury|; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes 
sliali have been committed, but when not committed within any state, 
the trial shall be at such place or places as the congress may by law 
have directed. 



Sec. 3 — Treason against the United States shall cousist only m 
levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving 
them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, un- 
less on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on 
confession in open court. 

The congress shall have power to declare the punishnient of trea- 
son, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or for- 
feiture, except during the life of the person attained. 

ARTICLE IV. 

Sec. 1— -Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the 
ipublic acts, records and judicial proceedings of every other state. 
And the Congress may, by general laws prescribe the manner in 
which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the 
effect thereof. 

Sec. 2 — The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privile- 
ges and immunities of citizens in the several states. 

A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, 
who shall flee from justice, and be found in another state, shall, on 
demand of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be 
delivered up, to be removed to the state having jurisdiction of the 
crime. 

No person held to service or labour in one state, under the laws 
thereof, escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or 
regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labour, but 
shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or 
labour may be due. 

Sec 3 — New states may be admitted by the Congress into this 
union ; but no new state shall be formed or erected within the juris- 
diction of any other state ; nor any state be formed by the junction 
of two or more states, or parts of states, without the consent of the 
legislatures of the states concerned, as well as of the Congress. 

The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful 
rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property be- 
longing to the United States ; and nothing in this constitution shall 
be so construed as to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of 
any particular state. 

Sec 4— The United States shall guarantee to every state in this 
union, a republican form of government, and shall protect each of 
them against invasion ; and on application of the legislature, or of 
the executive (when the legislature connot be convened) against do- 
mestic violence^ 



11 

ARTICLE v.— AMENDMENTS. 

The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it 
necessary, shall propose amendments to this constitution, or, on the 
application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, shall 
call a convention for proposing amendments, which in either case^ 
^skall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this constitution, 
when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states, 
or.by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other 
mode of ratification may be proposed by the congress : Provided, 
That no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thou- 
sand eight hundred and eight, shall, in any manner affect the first 
and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article ; and that 
no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in 
the senate. 

ARTICLE VL 

All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the 
adoption of this constitution, shall be as valid against the United 
States, under this constitution, as under the confederation. 

This constitution, and the laws of the United States, which shall 
be made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be 
made under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme 
law of the land ; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby; 
any thing in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary 
notwithstanding. 

The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the mem- 
bers of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial 
officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be 
bo?ind by oath or aiBrmation, to support this constitution •■ But no 
religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office of 
■public trust under the United States. 

ARTICLE VII. 

The ratification of the conventions of nine states, shall be sufficient 
for the establishment of this constitution between the states so ratify- 
ing the same. 



12 



x\MENDMENTS. 

The folio-wing Articles, in addition to an amendment of the Constitution af tlie 
tPruted States, having been ratified by the Legislatures of nine States, are 
equally obligatory -with the Constitution itself: 

After the first enumeration required by the first article of the con- 
stitution, there shall be one representative for every 30,000, until the 
number shall amount to 100, after which the proportion shall be so 
regulated by Congress, that there shall be not less than 100 repre- 
sentatives, nor less than one representative for every 40,000 persons, 
until the number of representatives shall amount to 200, after which, 
the proportion shall be so regulated by Congress, that there shall 
not be less than 200 representatives, nor more than one representa- 
tive for every 50,000 persons. 

No \ycw varying the compensation for the services of the senators 
and representatives shall take effect, until an election of representa- 
tives shall have intervened. 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, 
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of 
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to as- 
semble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. 

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a fre© 
state, the right of the people to keep and bear arras, shall not be in- 
fringed. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, 
without the consent of the owner ; nor in time of war, but in a man- 
ner to be prescribed by law. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, 
papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall 
not be violated ; and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable 
cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing 
the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infa- 
mous crmie, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, 
except in cases arising m the land or naval forces, or in the militia, 
when in actualservice, in time of war, or public danger; nor shall 
any person be subject for the same offence, to be twice put in jeopardy 
of life or hmb ; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case, to be a 
witness against himself; nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, 
without due process of law ; nor shall private property be taken for 
public use, without just compensation. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a 
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury, of the state and district 



13 

wherein the crime shall have been committed ; which district shall 
have been previously ascertained by law ; and to be informed of the 
nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted w^ith the wit- 
nesses against him ; to have compulsory process for obtaining wit» 
nesses in his favour: and to have the assistance of counsel for his de- 
fence. 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall ex-> 
ceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved ; and 
no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re examined in any court of 
the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. 

Excessive bail shall not be required ; nor excessive fines imposed; 
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

The enumeration in the constitution of certain rights, shall not be 
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

The powers not delegated to the United States, by the constitu- 
tion, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states res» 
pectively, or to the people. 

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to 
extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against 
one of the United States, by citizens of another state, or by citizens 
or subjects of any foreign state. 

The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by bal- 
lot for president and vice-president, one of whom at least, shall not 
be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name 
in their ballots the person voted for as president, and in distinct bal- 
lots, the person voted for as vice-president ; and they shall make dis- 
tinct lists of all persons yoted for as president, and of all persons voted 
for as vice-president, and of the number of votes for each, which list 
they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the government of 
the United States, directed to the president of the senate: Tie pre- 
sident of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate and house of 
representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be 
counted; the person having the greatest number of votes for presi- 
dent, shall be the president, if such number be a majority of the whole 
number of electors appointed; and if no person have such majority, 
then from the persons having the highest numbers, not exceeding- 
three on the list of those voted for as president, the house of represen- 
tatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the president. But in 
choosing the president, the votes shall be taken by states, the repre- 
sentations from each state having one vote ; a quorum for this pur- 
pose shall consist of a member or members from two thirds of the 
states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. 
And if the house of representatives shall not choose a president when- 



14 

ever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth 
iday of March next following-, then the vice-president shall act as pre- 
sident as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of 
the president. 

The person having the greatest iiumbei" of votes as vice-president? 
shall be vice-president, if such number be a majority of the whole 
number of electors appointed ; and if no person have a majority, then 
from the two highest numbers on the list, the senate shall choose the 
vice president : A quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds 
of the whole number of senators, and a majority of the whole numbe^ 
ahall be necessary to a choice. 

But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of president, 
shall be eligible to that of vice-president of the United States. 



15 



THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF SOUTH- 
CAROLINA. 

We, the delegates of the people of the State of South-Carolina, in 
general convention met, do ordain and esta,blish this constitution for 
its government. 

ARTICLE L 

(Sec 1 — The legislative authority of this state, shall be vested in a 
general assembly, which shall consist of a senate and house of repre- 
sentatives. 

Sec. 2 — The house of representatives shall be composed of mem- 
bers, chosen by ballot, every second year, by the citizens of this state, 
qualified as in this constitution is provided. 

Sec. 3 — The several election districts in this state, shall elect the 
oUowing number for representatives, viz. 

Charleston, including St. Philip and St. Michael, fifteen members ; 
Christ Church, three members; St. John, Berkley, three members r 
St. Andrew three members; St. George, Dorchester, three members; 
St. James, Goose Creek, three members; St. Thomas and St. Den- 
nis, three members; (St. Paul, three members; St. Bartholomew, 
three members; St. James, Santee, three members; St. John, Col- 
leton, three members; St. Stephen, three members; St. Helena, 
three members ; St. Luke, three members; Prince William, three 
members ; St Peter, three members ; All Saints, (including its an- 
cient boundaries) one member; Winyaw, (not including any part of 
All Saints) three members ; Kingston, (not including any part of All 
Sainst) two members ; Williamsbnrgh, two members ; Liberty, two 
members ; Marlborough two members ; Chesterfield, two members ; 
Darlington, two members; York, three members; Chester, two 
members; Fairfield, two members; Richland, two members; Lan- 
caster two members ; Kershaw, two members ; Claremont, two mem" 
hers; Clarendon, two members ; Abbeville, three members ; Edge- 
field three members ; Newberry, (including the fork between Broad 
and Saluda rivers) three members ; Laurens, three members ; Union, 
two members ; Spartan, two members ; Greenville, two members ; 
Pendleton, three members ; St Matthew, two members; Orange, 
two members; Winton, (including the district between Savannah 
river and the north fork of Edisto) three members; Saxegotha, three 
members. 

Sec. 4 — Every free white man, of the age of twenty-one years, 
being a citizen of this state, and having resided therein two years 



16 

previous to the day of election, and who hath a freehold of fifty acres 
of land, or a town lot, of which he hath been legally seized and pos- 
sessed, at least six months before such election, or, not having such 
freehold or town lot, hath been a resident in the election district, in 
which he offers to give his vote, six months before the said election, 
and hath paid a tax the preceding year of three shillings sterling, 
towards the support of this government, shall have a right to vote 
for a member or members to serve in either branch of the legisla- 
tnre, for the election district in which he holds such property, or is so 
resident. 

Sec, 5— The returning officer, or any other person present, enti- 
tled to vote, may require any person who shall offer his vote at an 
election, to produce a certificate of his citizenship, and a receipt from 
the tax collector, of his having paid a tax, entitling him to vote, or to 
swear, or affirm, that he is duly qualified to vote agreeably to this 
constitution. 

Sec. 6 — No person shall be eligible to a seat in the house of re- 
presentatives, unless he is a free white man, of the age of twenty-one 
years, and hath been a citizen and resident in this state three years 
previous to his election. If a resident in the election district, he shall 
not be eligible to a seat in the house of representatives, unless he be 
legally seized and possessed, in his own right, of a settled freehold 
estate of five hundred acres of land, and ten negroes; or of a real es- 
tate of the value of one hundred and fifty pounds sterling, clear of 
debt. If a non-resident, he shall be legally seized and possessed of 
a settled freehold estate therein, of the value of five hundred pounds 
sterling, clear of debt. 

Sec. 7— The senate shall be composed of members to be chosen 
for four years, in the following proportions, by the citizens of this 
state, qualified to elect members to the house of representatives, at 
the same time, in the same manner, and at the same places, w^re 
they shall vote for representatives, viz. 

Charleston, including St. Philip and St. Michael, two members; 
Christ Church, one member; St. John, Berkley, one member; St. 
Andrew, one member ; St. George, one member ; St. James, Goose- 
Creek, one member ; St. Thomas and St. Dennis, one members ; 
St. Paul, one member; St. Bartholomew, one member; St. James, 
Santee, one member ; St. John, Colleton, one member ; St. Stephen, 
one member ; St. Helena, one member ; St. Luke, one member ; 
Prince WiUiam, one member; St. Peter, one member; All Saints, 
one member ; Winyaw and Williamsburgh, one member ; Liberty 
and Kingston, one member ; Marlborough, Chesterfield, and Darling- 
ton, two members ; York, one member ; Fairfield, Richland, and 



17 

Chester, one member ; Lancaster and Kershaw, one member ; Clare- 
mont and Clarendon, one member; Abbeville, one member ; Edge- 
fiel«?, one member ; Newberry, (including the fork between Broad and 
Saluda rivers) one member; Laurens, one member; Union, one 
member ; Spartan, one member ; Greenville, one member ; Pendle- 
ton, one member; St. Matthew and Orange, one member; Winton, 
(including the district between Savannah river and the north fork of 
Edisto) one member; Saxegotha, one member. 

Sec. 8— No person shall be eligible to a seat in the senate, iinlese 
he is a free white man, of the age of thirty years, and hath been a ci- , 
tizen and resident in this state, five years previous to his election. If 
a resident in the election district, he shall not be eligible, unless he be 
legally seized and possessed, in his own right, of a settled freehold 
estate, of the value of three hundred pounds sterling, clear of debt. 
If a non-resident in the election district, he shall not be eligible unless 
he be legally seized and possessed, in his own right, of a settled free- 
hold ©restate, in the said district,of the value of one thousand pounds 
sterling, clear of debt. 

Sec. 9 — Immediately after the senators shall be assembled, in con- 
sequence of the first election, they shall be divided by lot into two 
classes. The seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated 
at the expiration of the second year, and of the second class at he 
expiration of the fourth year; so that one half thereof, as near aspos- 
sible, may be chosen for ever thereafter every second year, for the 
term of four years. 

Sec. 10— Senators and members of the house of representatives 
shall be chosen on the second Monday in Oclober next, and the day 
following, and on the same days in every second year thereafter, in 
such manner and at such times as are herein directed. And shall 
meet on the fourth Monday in November, annually, at Columbia, 
(which shall remain the seat of government, until otherwise determin- 
ed by the concurrence of two thirds of both branches of the whole 
representation,) unless the casualties of war or contagious disorders 
should render it unsafe to meet there, in either of which cases, the 
governor or commander in chief for the time being, may, by preeia- 
mation, appoint a more secure and convenient place of meeting. 

Sec. 11 — Each house shall judge of the elections, returns and qua- 
lifications of its own members, and a majority of each house shall 
constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may ad- 
journ from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the atten- 
dance of absent members, in such manner, and under such penalties. 
as may be provided by law. 



18 

Sec. 12 — Each house shall choose by ballot its own officers, de- 
termine its rules of proceeding, punish its members for disorderly be- 
haviour, and with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member, 
but not a second time for the same cause. 

Skc 13 — Each house may punish by imprisonment, during its sit- 
ting, any person not a member, who shall be guilty of disrespect to 
the house by any disorderly or contemptuous behaviour in its pre- 
sence, or who, during the time of its sitting, shall threaten harm to 
the body or estate of any member, for any thing said or done in either 
liouse, or who shall assault any of them therefor, or who shall as- 
sault or arrest any witness or other person ordered to attend the 
house, in his going to, or returning therefrom, or who shall rescue 
any person arrested by order of the house. 

Sec. 14 — The members of both houses shall be protected in their 
persons and estates during their attendance on, going to, and return- 
ing from the legislature, and ten days previous to the sitting, and ten 
days after the adjournment of the legislature. But these privileges 
shall not be extended so far as to protect any member v;ho shall be 
charged with treason, felony, or breach of the peace. 

Sec. 15— Bills for raising a revenue shall originate in the house 
of representatives, but may be altered, amended, or rejected by the 
senate. 

All other bills may originate in either house, and maybe amended, 
altered, or rejected by the other. 

Sec. 16- — No bill or ordinance shall have the force of law, until it 
shall have been read three times, and on three several days, in each 
house, has had the great seal affixed to it, and has been signed in the 
senate house, by the president of the senate and speaker of the house 
of representatives. 

Sec. 17 — No money shall be drawn out of the public treasury, but 
by the legislative authority of the state. 

Sec. 18— -The members of the legislature, who shall assemble 
under this constitution, shall be entitled to receive out of the public 
treasury, as a compensation for their expenses, a sum not exceeding 
seveB shillings sterling a day, during their attendance on, going to, 
and returning from the legislature ; but the same may be increased 
or diminished by law, if circumstances shall require; but no altera- 
tions shall be made by any legislature, to take effect during the ex- 
istence of the legislature which shall make such alteration. 

Sec. 19— Neither house shall, during their session, without the 
eoivsent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any 
Qther place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. 

Sec. 20=-No bill or ordinance, which shall have been rejected by 



19 

either house, shall bet) rought in again during the sitting, without 
leave of the house, and notice of six days being previously given. 

Sec. 21 — No person shall be eligible to a seat inlhe legislature 
whilst he holds any office of profit or trust under this state, the Uni- 
ted States, or either of them, or under any other power, except offi- 
cers Jn the militia, army or navy of this state, justice of the peace, 
or justices of the county courts, while they receive no salaries; nor 
shall any contractor of the army or navy of this state, the United 
States, or either of them, or the agents of such contractor, be eligi- 
ble to a seat in either house. And if any member shall accept or ex- 
ercise any of the said disqualifying offices, he shall vacate his seat. 

Sec. 22 — If any election district shall neglect to choose a member 
or members, on the days of election, or if any person chosen a mem- 
ber of either house, should refuse to qualify and take his seat, or 
should die, depart the state^ or accept of any disqualifying office, a 
writ of election shall be issued by the president of the senate, or 
speaker of the house of representatives, as the case may be, for the 
purpose of filling up the vacancy thereby occasioned, for the remain- 
der of the term for which the person so refusing to qualify, dying, 
departing the state, or accepting a disqualifying office, was elected to 
serve. 

Sec. 23 — And whereas the ministers of the gospel are, by their 
profession, dedicated to the service of God, and the cure of soulSj 
and ought not to be diverted from the great duties of their function ; 
therefore, no minister of the gospel, or public preacher of any reli- 
gious persuasion, whilst he continues in the exercise of his pastoral 
functions, shall be eligible to the office of governor, lieutenant-gov- 
ernor, or to a seat in the senate or house of representatives. 

ARTICLE II. 

Sec. 1 — The executive authority of this state shall be vested in a 
governor, to be chosen in manner following ; As soon as may he^ 
after the first meeting of the senate and house of representatives, 
and at every first meeting of the house of representatives thereafter, 
when a majority of both houses shall be present, the senate and house 
of representatives shall jointly, in the house of representatives* 
choose, by ballot, a governor, to continue for two years, and until a 
new election shall be made 

Sec. 2 — No person shall be eligible to the office of governor,'until 
h^^hath attained the age of thirty years, and hath resided within this 
state, and been a citizen thereof ten years, and unless he be seized 
and possessed of a settled estate within the same, in his own right, 
of the value of fifteen hundred pounds sterling, clear of debt. 



20 

No person having served two years as governor, shall be re-eligible 
to that office till after the expiration of four years. 

No person shall hold the office of governor and any other office, or 
commission, civil or military, (except in the militia) either in this 
state or under any state, or the United States, or any other power, 
at one and the same time. 

Sec. 3 — A lieutenant-governor shall be chosen at the same time, 
*n the same manner, continue in office for the same period, and be 
possessed of the same qualifications as the governor. 

Sec. 4 — A member of the senate or house of representatives, being 
chosen and acting as governor or lieutenant governor, shall vacate 
his seat, and another person shall be elected in his stead. 

Sec, 5-— In case of the impeachment of the governor, or his remo- 
val from office, death, resignation, or absence from the state, the lieu- 
tenant-governor shall succeed to his office. And in case of the im- 
peachment of the lieutenant-governor, or his removal from office, 
death, resignation, or absence from the state, the president of the 
isenate shall succeed to his office, until a nomination to those offices 
respectively, shall be made by the senate and house of representa- 
tives, for the remainder of the time, for v/hich the officer so impeach- 
ed, removed from office, dying, resigning, or being absent, was 
elected. 

Sec. 6- -The governor shall be commander in chief of the army 
and navy of this state, and of the militia, except when they shall be 
called into the actual service of the United States. 

Sec 7 — He shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons, after 
conviction, (except in cases of impeachment,) in such manner, on 
such terms, and under such restrictions as he shall think proper ; and 
he shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures, unless otherwise 
directed by law. 

Sec 8 — He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed in 
mercy. 

Sec. 9 — He shall have power to prohibit the exportation of pro- 
vision for any time not exceeding 30 days. > 

Sec. 10 — He shall at slated times receive for his services a com- 
pensation which shall be neither increased nor diminished during the 
period for which he shall have been elected. 

Sec. 11— All officers m the executive department, when required 
by the governor, shall give him information in writing, upon any sub- 
ject relating to the duties of their respective offices. 

Sec. 12 — The governor shall from time to time give to the general 
ssgembly information of the condition of the state, and recommend to 



their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary ana 
expedient. 

Sec. 13— He may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the gene= 
ral assembly, and in case of disagreement between the two houses, 
with respect to the time of adjournment, adjourn them to such time 
as he shall think proper, not beyond the fourth Monday in the month 
of Nevember then ensuing-. 

ARTICLE III. 

Sec. l~The judicial power shall be vested in such superior aad 
inferior courts of law, and equity, as the legislature shall, from time 
to time direct and establish. 

The judges of each shall hold their commissions during good be- 
haviour; and the judges of the superior courts shall, at stated times, 
receive a compensation for their services, which shall neither be in= 
creased or diminished during their continuance in office; but they 
shall receive no fees or perquisites of oflice, nor hold any other office 
of profit or trust, under this state, the United States, or any other 
power. 

Sec. 2 — The style of all processes shall be, " The State of South 
Carolina." All prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by 
the authority of the State of South Carolina, and conclude — "against 
the peace and dignity of the same." 

ARTICLE IV. 

All persons who shall be chosen or appointed to any office of profit 
or trust, before entering on the execution thereof, shall take the fol' 
lowmg oath : " I do swear (or affirm) that I am duly qualified ac- 
cording to the constitution of this state, to exercise the office to which 
I have been appointed, and will, to the best of my abilities, discharge 
the duties thereof, and preserve, protect, and defend the constitution 
of this state, and of the United States." 

ARTICLE V. 

Sec. 1 — The house of representatives shall have the sole power qf 
impeaching; but no impeachment shall be made, unless with the con- 
currence of two thirds of the house of representatives. 

Sec. 2 — All impeachments shall be tried by the senate. When 
sitting for that purpose, the senators shall be on oath or affirmation ; 
and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two 
tnirds of the members present. 

Sec. 3 — The governor, lieutenant-governor, and all the civil of- 
ficers, shall be liable to impeachment, for any misdemeanor in office ; 



liut juilgmeut in such cases, shall not extend further than to the re- 
nioval from office, and disqualification to hold any office of honor, 
trust or profit, under this state. The party convicted shall neverthe- 
less be hable to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment according 
to law. 

ARTICLE VI. 

Sec. 1 — The judges of the superior courts, commissioners of the 
treasury, secretary of the state, and surveyor-general, shall be elect- 
ed by the joint ballot of both houses, in the house of representatives. 
The commissioners of the treasury, secretary of this state, and sur- 
veyor-general, shall hold their offices for four years; but shall not be 
eligible again for four years after the expiration of the time for vvhicii 
they shall have been elected. 

Sec. 2 — All other officers shall be appointed as they'-hitherto have 
been, until otherwise directed by law ; but sheriffs shall hold their of- 
fices for four years, and not be again eligible for four yearsjafter the 
term for which they shall have been elected. 

Sec. 3 — All commissions shall be in the name and by the autho- 
rity ef the state of South-Carolina, and be sealed with the seal of the 
state, and be signed by the governor. 

ARTICLE Vn. 

All laws of force in this state at the passing of this constitution, 
shall so continue, until altered or repealed by the legislature, except 
where they are temporary, in which case they shall expire at the 
times respectively limited for their duration, if not continued by act 
of the legislature. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

Sec 1 — The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession 
and worship without discrimination or preference, shall, for ever here- 
after, be allowed within this state to all mankind ; piovided that the 
liberty of conscience thereby declared, shall not be so construed as 
to excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with 
the peace or safety of this state. 

Sec 2 — The rights, privileges, immunities and estates of both 
civil and religious societies, and of corporate bodies, shall remain as 
if the constitution of this state had not been altered or amended. 

ARTICLE IX. 

Sec. 1 — All power is originally vested in the people ; and all free 
governments are founded on their authority, and are instituted for 
their peace, safety and happiness. 



23 

Sec. 2— No freeman of this state shall be taken or iuiprisoned, or 
disseized of his freehold, liberties, or privileges, or outlawed, or ex- 
iled, or in any manner destroyed or deprived of his life, liberty, or pro- 
perty, but by the judgment of his peers, or by the law of the land ; 
nor shall any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the 
obligation of contracts, ever be passed by the legislature of this state. 

Sec. 3 — The mihtary shall be subordinate to the civil power. 

Sec. 4 — Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines 
imposed, nor cruel punishments mflicted. 

Sec. 5 — The legislature shall not grant any title of nobility or he- 
reditary distinction, nor create any office, the appointment to which 
shall be for any longer time than during good behaviour. 

Sec. 6 — The trial by jury, as heretofore used in this state, and the 
liberty of the press, shall be for ever inviolably preserved. 

ARTICLE X. 

Sec. 1 — The business of the treasury shall be, in future, conducted 
by two treasurers, one of whom shall hold his office and reside at 
Columbia; the other shall hold his office and reside in Charleston. 

Sec. 2 — The secretary of state and surveyor-general, shall hold 
their offices both in Columbia and in Charleston. They shall reside 
at one place and their deputies at the other. 

Skc, 3 — At the conclusion of the circuits, the judges shall meet and 
sit at Columbia, for the purpose of hearing and determining all mo- 
tions which may be made for new trials, and in arrest of judgments, 
and such points of law as may be submitted to them. From Colum- 
bia, they shall proceed to Charleston, and there hear and determine 
all such motions for new trials and in arrest of judgment, and sucli 
points of law as may be submitted to them. 

Sec. 4 — The governor shall always reside, during the sitting of 
the legislature, at the place where their session may be held, and at 
all other times, wherever, in his opinion, the public good may require. 

Sec. 5 — The legislature shall, as soon as may be convenient, pass 
laws for the abolition of the rights of primogeniture, and for giving 
an equitable distribution of the real estate of intestates. 

ARTICLE XL 

No convention of the people shall be called, unless by the concur- 
rence of two thirds of both brant'i'^s of the whole representation. 

pjo part of this constitution shall be altered, unless a bill to alter 
the same shall have been read three times in the house of representa- 
tives, and three times in the senate, and agreed to by two-thirds of 
both branches of the whole representation; neither shall any alter- 



24 

ation take place until the bill so agreed to, be published three months 
previous to a new election for members to the house of representa- 
tives ; and if the alteration proposed by the legislature shall be agreed 
to in their first session, by two-thirds of the whole representation in 
both branches of the legislature, after the same shall have been read 
three times, or three several days in each house, then and not other- 
wise, the same shall become a part of the constitution. 



AMENDMENTS, 
Batijied December 17, 1808. 

The following sections, in amendment of the third, seventh, and 
ninth sections of the first article of the constitution of this state, shall 
be, and they are hereby declared to be valid parts of the said consti- 
tution ; and the said third, seventh and ninth sections, or such parts 
thereof as are repugnant to such amendments, are hereby repealed 
and made void. 

The house of representatives shall consist of one hundred and 
twenty-four members; to be apportioned among the several election 
districts of the state, according to the number of white inhabitants 
contained, and the amount of all taxes raised by the legislature, 
whether direct or indirect, or of whatever species, paid in each, de- 
ducting therefrom all taxes paid on account of property held in any 
other district, and adding thereto all taxes elsewhere paid on account 
of property held in such district; an enumeration of the white in- 
habitants for this purpose shall be made in the year one thousand 
eight hundred and nine, and in the course of every tenth year there- 
after, in such manner as shall be by law directed; and representa- 
tives shall be assigned to the different districts in the above mentioned 
proportion, by act of the legislature at the session immediately suc- 
ceeding the above enumeration. 

If the enumeration herein directed should not be made in the course 
of the year appointed for the purpose by these amendments, it shall 
be the duty of the governor to have it effected as soon thereafter as 
shall be practicable. 

In assigning representatives to the several districts of the state, 
the legislature shall allow one representative for every sixty-second 
part of the vi'hole number of white inhabitants in the state ; and one 
representative also, for every sixty-second part of the whole taxes 
raised by the legislature of the state. The legislature shall further 
allow one representative for such fractions of the sixty-second part of 



the white inhabitants of the state, and of the sixty-second part of the 
taxes raised by the legislature of the state, as, when added together, 
form a unit. 

In every apportionment of representation under these amendments, 
which shall take place after the first apportionment, the amount of 
taxes shall be estimated from the average of the ten preceding years ; 
but the first apportionment shall be founded upon the tax of the pre- 
ceding year, excluding from the amount thereof the whole produce 
of the tax on sales at public auction^ 

If in the apportionment of representatives under these amendments, 
any election district shall appear not to be entitled, from its population 
end its taxes, to a representative, such election district shall, never- 
theless, send one representative; and if there should be still a defi- 
ciency of the number of representatives required by these amend- 
ments, such deficiency shall be supplied by assigning representatives 
to those election districts having the largest surplus fractions ; whe- 
ther those fractions consist of a combination of population and of taxes, 
or of population or of taxes separately, until the number of one hun- 
dred and twenty-four members be provided. 

No apportionment under these amendments shall be construed to 
take effect in any manner, until the general election which shall suc- 
ceed such apportionment. 

The election districts for members of the house of representatives, 
shall be and remain as heretofore established, except Saxegotha and 
Newberry, in which the boundaries shall be altered as follows, viz. — 
That part of Lexington in the fork of Broad and Saluda rivers, shall 
no longer compose a part of the election district of Newberry, but 
shall be henceforth attached to and form a part of Saxegotha. And 
also except Orange, and Barnwell, or Winton, in which the bounda- 
ries shall be altered as follows, viz. — That part of Orange in the fork 
of Edisto, shall no longer compose a part of the election district of 
Barnwell, or Winton, but shall be henceforth attached and form a 
part of Orange election district. 

The senate shall be composed of one member from each election 
district, as now established for the election of members of the house 
of representatives, except the district formed by the parishes of St- 
Philip and St. Michael, to which shall be allowed two senators as 
lieretofore. 

The seats of those senators, who, under the constitution, shall re- 
present two or more election districts, on the day preceding the 
second Monday of October, which will be in the year one thousand 
eight hundred and ten, shall be vacated on that day, and the nev,- 



26 

senators who Bhall represent such districts under these ainencments, 
shall, immediately after they shall have been assembled under the first 
election, be divided by lots into two classes; the seats of the senators 
of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the second year, 
and of the second class at the expiration of the fourth year; and the 
number in these classes shall be so proportioned, that one half of the 
whole number of senators may, as nearly as possible, continue to be 
chosen thereafter, every second year. 

None of these amendments becoming parts of the constitution of 
tliis state, shall be altered, unless a bill to alter the same shall have 
been read on three several days in the house of representatives, and 
on three several days in the senate, and agreed to at the second and 
third reading, by two-thirds of the whole representation, in each 
branch of the legislature ; neither shall any alteration take place, 
until the bill so agreed to, be published three months previous to a 
new election for members to the house of representatives ; and if the 
alteration proposed by the legislature, shall be agreed to in their first 
session, by two-thirds of the whole representation, in each branch of 
the legislature, after the same shall have been read on three several 
days in each house, then, and not otherwise, the same shall become 
a part of the constitution. 



AMENDMENT, 
Ratified December 19, 1810. 
That the fourth section of the first article of the constitution of this 
state be altered and amended to read as follows : Every free white 
man of the age of twenty-one years, paupers and noncommissioned 
officers and private soldiers of the army of the United States except- 
ed, being a citizen of this state, and having resided therein two years 
previous to the day of election, and who hath a freehold of fifty acres 
of land or a town lot, of which he hath been legally seized and pos- 
sessed at least six months before such election, or not having such 
freehold or town lot, hath been a resident in the election district in 
which he offers to give his vote, six months before the said election, 
shall have a right to vote for a member or members to serve in either 
branch of the legislature, for the election district in which he holds 
such property, or is so resident. 



AMENDMENT, 
Ratified December 19, 1816. 

That the third section of the tenth article of the conslitistion ot 
this state, be altered and amended to read as follows :— -The judges 
shall, at such times and places as shall be prescribed by act of the 
legislature of this state, meet and sit for the purpose of hearing and 
determining all motions which may be made for new trials, and in 
arrest of judgment, and such points of law as may be submitted to 
rhem. 



AMENDMENT, 

Ratified December 20, 1820. 
That all that territory lying within the chartered limits of this 
state, and which was ceded by the Cherokee nation, in a treaty con- 
cluded at Washington, on the twenty-second day of March, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, and con- 
firmed by an act of the legislature of this state, passed on the nine- 
teenth day of December, in the same year, shall be, and the same is 
hereby declared to be annexed to, and shall form and continue a par*^ 
of the election district of Pendleton. 



THE LAWS RELATIVE TO ELECTIONS, 

Printedin obedience to a resolution of the Legislature, at their sessio?i in 
December, 1820. 

And for the preventing of frauds in all elections as much as possi- 
ble,/^ is enacted, Thattlie names of the electors for members of the 
commons house of assembly, shall be fairly entered in a book or roll 
for that purpose provided by the church wardens, or other persons 
appointed for managing elections, to prevent any persons voting 
twice at the same election ; and the manner of their voting shall be 
as herein after is directed, that is to say, each person qualified to vote 
as is above directed, shall put into a box, glass, or sheet of paper, 
pi-epared for that purpose by the said church wardens, or other per- 
sons as is above directed, a piece of paper rolled up, wherein is writ- 
ten the names of the representatives he votes for, and to whicJi 
oappr tlip elentor shall not be obliged to subscribe his name ; and if 



2S 

upon the scrutiny two or more .appers with persons written thereon 
ibr members of assembly, be found rolled up together, or more per- 
son's names be found written in any paper than ought to be voted for 
all and every such paper or papers shall be invalid and of no efiect ; 
and that those persons, who, after all the papers and votes are deliv- 
ered in and entered as aforesaid, shall be found (upon the scrutiny 
made) to have the majority uf votes, are and shall be deemed and de- 
clared to be members of the succeeding commons house of assembly, 
so as they be qualified as is herein after directed. 

The said election shall not continue longer than two days, and that 
the elections shall begin at nine in the morning, and end at four in 
the evening, and that at adjourning of the poll at convenient hours, in 
ihe time of the aforesaid election, the church wardens or other per- 
sons as aforesaid, empowered to manage the said elections, shall seal 
lip the said box, glass, or paper wherein are put all the votes then 
delivered in and rolled up by the electors as aforesaid, with theif own 
seals and the seals of any two or more of the electors that are there 
present, and upon opening the poll shall unseal the said box, glass or 
paper, in the presence of the said electors, in order to proceed in the 
said election. 

And the said church wardens, or other persons appointed in each 
parish to manage the elections afoiesaid, shall within ten days after 
the scrutiny is made, give public notiqe in writing at the church door, 
or at such other public places in the pari&hes that have no churches, 
where the election was made, to the person or persons so elected, 
that the inhabitants of the said parish have made choice of him or 
them to serve as their representative or representatives in the next 
succeeding commons house of assembly, under the penalty of one 
hundred pounds current money of tJiis province, for his default or 
neglect therein, to be recoyeretj^nd disposed of in such manner and 
form as is hereafter in thi^ act diiected. 

If any person or persons appointed by this act, to manage any elec- 
tion for a member or members of the commons house of assembly, 
as aforesaid, shall willingly or knowingly admit of or take the vote 
of any person not qualified according to the purport of this act, or 
after any vote delivered in at such election, shall open or suffer any 
person whatsoever to open any such note, before the scrutiny is begun 
to be made, or shall make an undue return of any person for a mem- 
ber of the commons house of assembly, each person so offending, 
shall forfeit for each such note taken and admitted of, opened or suf- 
fered to be opened as aforesaid, and for each such return, the sum of 
nne hundred pounds current money qf this province, to be recovert^d 



29 

and disposed of in such manner and form as hereafter m this act is 
directed. 

If any person or persons whatsoever, shall on any day appointed 
for the election of a member of the commons house of assembly as 
aforesaid, presume to violate the freedom of the said election by any 
arrest, menaces or threats, or endeavour or attempt to overawe, 
fright or force any person qualified to vote, against his inclination or 
conscience, or otherwise by bribery obtain any vote, or who shall after 
the said election is over, menace, despitefully use or abuse any per- 
son because he hath not voted as he or they would have had him, 
every such person so offending, upon due and sufEcient proof made 
of such his violence or abuse, menacing or threatening, before any 
two justices of the peace, shall be bound over to the next general 
sessions of the peace, himself in fifty pounds, current money of this 
province, and two sureties, each in twenty-five pounds of like money, 
and to be of good behaviour, and abide the sentence of tiie said court, 
where if the offender or offenders are convicted and found guilty of 
such offence or offences as aforesaid, then he or they shall each of 
them forfeit the sum of fifty pounds, current money of this province; 
and be committed to gaol without bail or mainprise till the same be 
paid, which fine so imposed shall be paid unto one of the church war- 
dens of the parish, where the offence was committed, for the use of 
the poor thereof; and if any person offending as aforesaid, shall be 
chosen a member of the commons house of assembly, after conviction 
of illegal practices proved before the said house, shall by a vote of 
the said house be rendered incapable to sit or vote as a member of 
that commons house of assemblj'. 

No civil officer whatsoever shall execute any writs or other civil 
process whatsoever, upon the body of any person qualified to vote 
for members of the commons house of assembly as before in this act 
is directed, either in his journey to or in his return from the place of 
such election, or during his stay there on that account, or within 
forty-eight hours afler the scrutiny for such elections is finished, un- 
der the penalty of twenty pounds current money of this province, to 
be recovered of and from the officer which shall arrest or serve any 
process as aforesaid, after such manner and form, and to be disposed 
of as herein after is directed, and all such writs or warrants executed 
on the body of any person either going tocr being at, within the time 
limited by this clause, or returning from the place where such elec- 
r\6n is appointed to be managed, he being quahfied to give ia his vote 
ihoreat, are hereby declared void and null. 

Be it enacted. That if the church wardens, or other managers and 
conductors of the election of anv district or parish, shall necrlect to 



so 

tuake a return at the time and place the legislature is to meet accord- 
ing to the exigance of the writ to them directed, then and in such 
case the ehurch|\vardens^or managers so neglecting shall pay the sum 
of twenty pounds, to be sued for and recovered by the attorney-gene- 
ral, and be paid into the treasury for the use of the ^t^tf. 



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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY 



A T^Bl.^ OF &^^BB.^mC 



?ERroD. PAGE 

1492 Columbus discovers the Western Hemisphere, October 12th 
1497 The Southern part of North America discoxered - - 171 

1660 First settlement attempted by some colonists from Virginia ibid. 

1662 Charles II. grants to the earl of Clarendon and seven others 
all lands lying between the 3lst and 36th degrees ofNorth 
Latitude, and extending West to the South or Pacific ocean 172 

1669 The celebrated John Locke frames a constitution and body of 

laws for Carolina, never accepted by the people - - 1T9 

1670 A permanent settlement takes place under Wm. Sayle, first at 

Port Royal, then on the west side of Ashley river I7l 

1672 Lots first laid out in Charleston - - . . . i7'2 

1673 The first invasion of the province by the Spaniards, (at Port 

Royal) - - - - 220 

1674 Charleston fortified - . . . - - - 172 

1675 Inhabitants enrolled in 3 companies . _ - . 
1630 The Province divided into 4 counties, Berkley, Craven, Col- 
leton and Carteret -.-..-- 193 

1670 HiLTOif H3EAD, the first land made by Gov. Sayle, and named 

after the captain of the vessel he sailed in ... 379 
1680 Present city of Charleston founded - . - . 390 

The first Indian war takes place, which nearly ruins the colony 222 

1682 The first law found on record in the province 

Second settlement of Port Royal ; by a colony from Scotland 

under Lord Cardross - - .... 268 

The Presbyterians and Congregationalists in conjunction form- 
ed into a church ....... 218 

1685 Baptists first formed into a church .... ibid 

1650 The Spaniards dislodge the Scots settlement at Port Royal 220 

1,690 The first public act passed against the oppression of the Pro- 
prietary government — the province petitions Parliament to 
be taken under the royal protection .... igi 

-" — The first Episcopal church built - - -r „ 

E 



34 

1690 The Congregationalists form into a church, and establish one 

at Dorchester in 1696 - 51£« 

1694 Rice first introduced by Thomas Smith - - - ~ 387 

1696 The two oldest acts on record established, the first for the ob- 
servance of the Lord's day, the second for the suppression of 
idle, drunken, or swearing persons - _ . - 216 

1698 An attempt made to establish a hierarchy ... ibi^^ 

1700 First public library established, by the liberality of Dr. Bray 437 

1701 The French Protestant church founded ... - 418 
1700 First appearance of the smallpox and yellow fever - - 141 

1702 The first military expedition undertaken against the Spaniards 

under Governor Moore - - .... 220 

1703 The war with the Apallachian Indians takes place under Gov. 

Moore 222 

• The city again visited by the yellow fever - - - 144 

1704 The Episcopaliems obtain a legal establishment - - 21& 
1704 J 

& > Counties divided into parishes - - - - - 192 
1706) 

The parishes of St. James, St. John, Berkley, Christchurch, St. 

Thomas, and St. Dennis, St. James, Santee, St. Andrews, St. 
Pauls, and St. Bartholomew, laid off and established in 1708 193 
The French and Spaniards make a combined attack on Charles- 
ton (defeated) - - 220 

1706 Col. Palmer with 300 men invades the Spanish settlements in 

Florida with success - - - -- - -221 

1710 Laws for founding and erecting free schools in Charleston passed 453 
1700 The first hurricane on record — city inundated - - 444 

1710 The first entry of records in bound books . - - 

1712 A dangerous conspiracy of the Indians in Nortli Carolina, de- 

feated by Col. Barnwell -,-..- 223 

1713 Second hurricane — several lives lost .... 444 
1715 The Yamassee war takes place, which threatens the destruc- 
tion of the province ; the Indians defeated by Gov. Craven 

at Saltcatcher 225 

1729 The lords proprietors relinquish their I'ight and interest in the 

province to the crown — at the same time the province is di- ' V 

vided into North and South Carolina - - _ - 18S 
1712 St. Helena erected into a parish out of Granville county 
J 720 Childbury township (now Strawberry) laid out 
1721 Prince Georges Parish, Winyaw, taken off St. Johns Santee 
1723 Service first performed in the present St. Philip's church 40S 

1733 The celebrated George Whitfield visits the province and 

preaches »--....... 2I8 



as 

■1728 About this time the Pirates, that infested the trade of the pro- 
vince to the West Indies, crushed and destroyed - - 228 

1732 Yellow fever, began in May and continued to October 144 

1728 A g;reat drought. This summer uncommonly hot, the yellow 
fever very fatal . _ - . . - - 

1730 Newspapers began to be printed in the province 

1728 A dreadful hurricane overflows Charleston » - - 444 
1-731 The Presbyterians build a church "■: - - - - 

1720 Rice first begins to be cultivated for exportation 

1729 St. Andrews city founded — the first benevolent institution in the 

State .. = ..-.-- 429 

^ 1 ^ „ ^ Fatal years for deaths by smallpox ... 141 

1739 Yellow fever rages violently ..---- 144 
1736 The celebrated Rousseau's uncle is appointed chief engineer of 

the fortifications in Charleston . . _ - 

1740 The French Protestant church burnt down, the records 

consumed .„-._.._ 418 
1740 The Rev. Mr. Whitfield is cited before an Ecclesiastical court 218 
Square rigged vessels began to be built in Cliarleston and 

Beaufort . . _ _ . . _ 

1734 St. Johns, Colleton, taken off" from St. Pauls and established 

Prince Federicks taken off of Prince Georges, Winyaw 

1736 South Carolina society founded .... - 428 

1740 Nearly half of Charleston destroyed by fire, Nov. 18th 448 

1741 Indigo first planted by Miss Eliza Lucas - - - 383 
1745 Prince Williams separated from St. Helena and made a dis- 
tinct Parisli ..".-.-_. 

1745 & '48 Yellow fever returns, but with less violence - - 144 

1746 St. Peters parish established, partly out of St. Helena 

1751 City of Charleston divided into two parishes, St. Philip and St. 

Michael ....__._ 

1753 & '55 A few cases of the fever occurred - _ - 

1754 St. Stephens taken off of St. James Santee, and established 
1757 St. Marks parish, now Sumter, taken off of Prince Fredericks 

1759 Tlie Jews build themselves a synagogue ... 2I8 
- — •"- The German Protestants build a house of worship for them- 
selves - - - - _'. .- - 219 

1752 A most destructive huiricane ..... 444 

1760 Camden laid out and chartered in 1769 .... 590 

1761 Remarkable for a violent v/hirlwind near Charleston 

-L — Service first performed in St. Michael's church - = 429 

1762 The fellowship society founded ..... ihid 
The first benevolent institution for the relief of widows and 

orphans of clergymen in Anierica established in Charleston 431 



3Q 

1763 The two Floridas ceded by Spain to Great Britain ^ - 221 
J 763 Memorable as designating the first attempts of the British 

Parliament to tax the colonies without their consent 183 

765 Stamp act passed in the British Parliament . - - 184 
-* St. Mathews parish established, but not laid out till 1768 

1767 All Saints, Waccamaw, taken off of Prince Georges, Winyaw 

■ St. Lukes Parish, taken partly out of St. Helena, establish- 
ed : this parish includes the famous Indian lands 

1768 St. Davids, now Darlington, established - . 

1769 The province divided into 7 precincts, Charleston, George- 

town, Beaufort, Orangeburg, Cheraw, Camden, and 
Ninety-six -- ------193 

1774 First act passed in the province to oppose with force the royal 

authority, 6th July ------ - 184 

1775 Prohibition to import British goods, February 1st -^ - 185 

■^ The people enter into an association to defend their liberties 187 

. The first military force raised for the defence of the province, 

consisting of two regiments of foot and a regiment of rangers 
Col, Motte takes possession of Fort Johnson ; the first military 

enterprise in this revolution ..... 239 

. Commencement of hostilities in South Carolina by the Tamar 

and Cherokee vessels of war - - . . . 230 
. Fort Moultrie drives the royal vessels of war out of the harbor 234 

1776 An army marches into the back settlements against the royalists 189 
A temporary constitution formed (the first in the union) by 

the Provincial Congress ...... IQQ 

^ The first blood shed in delence of liberty in South Carolina at 

Fort Moultrie, during the British naval attack jfga nst that 
place ,.....--. 231 

™— The Cherokee Indians, excited by the British, begin their mas- 
sacres on the frontiers. A plan of a simultaneous attack, of 
Indians and tories, from the seacoast to the mountains, dis- 
covered and defeated - »■ 236 
„ The Indians and tories defeated by Major Downs - - ibid 

1777 Depreciation of paper currency begun — jg^*^'^ ^^^* ^°'' £^^^ 

1778 The province enjoys a lucrative commerce for the last 2 years 231 
1777 General La Fayette's first landing in the United States, (ac- 
companied by Baron De Kalb,) takes place on North Island, 
Georgetown, in this state ..... 562 

,,^„_ Treaty of amity, commerce and alliance, signed, between 
France and the United States . . . - - 

i779 Gen, Lincoln takes command of all the Southern forces, and 

establishes his first post at Purysburg ... 234 

..-„.™ The British attacked and defeated at Port Royal by General 



37 

Moultrie. Col, Pickens defeats the British and tories near 

Little creek .... _ . 

1799 Gen. Ash surprised and defeated at Briar creek, Savannah 

river, by General Prevost - . . . _ 240 
. Charleston invested by Gen. Prevost. Count Pulaski, a noble 

Polander, distinguishes himself - - . . _ 242 
~__ — The British on hearing the near approach of Gen. Lincoln 

suddenly retreat --..... [\)i^\ 

■ Battle of Stono ferry ; the British army retires - - ibid 

Arrival and landing of the French force under Count 

D'Estaing for the siege of Savannah - - . . 243 

■ Attack and retreat of the combined forces at the siege of 

Savannah ----..._ 244 

1779 Depreciation of paper bills; £3248 for 100/. sterling 

1780 The state troops reduced from 2400 to 800 men - . 245 

General Sir Henry Clinton first lands within 30 miles of 

Charleston, and fortifies himself at Wappoo creek - 247 

. A British fleet of six ships of war arrive before the city of 

Charleston - - - - _ . .. 246 

— . Tarleton obliged to retreat before Col, Washington at Stono, 

between Rantol's bridge and Ashley ferry . - . 249 

■ Gen. Clinton passes Ashley river to invest Charleston - 246 

■ Breaks ground and erects at different periods five batteries 247 

- — - Fort Moultrie surrenders to the British navy, few troops re- 
maining .--.__._ 
— — Fort Motte capitulates to Marion and Lee : Mrs. Motte dis- 
plays an act of patriotism --->.. n^g 

. Gen. Clinton re-embarks for New York, and Lord Cornwallis 

takes command of the Southern department with 4000 troops 251 
Capt. M'Cottry with 50 men pursues 1 ctrleton,,who escapes 

The British and tories defeated by Sumter near Broad river 255 

Sumter makes a spirited, but unsuccessful, attack on the Bri- 

tish post at Rocky mount - - - . . w^i^^ 

Defeat of the British and tories at Hanging rock by Sumter ibid 

Col. H. Horry with 16 militia releases 130 prisoners, guarded 

by 32 British soldiers - - . - . . 

-' Battle of Camden ; Gen. Gates defeated ; death of Baron 

De Kalb -.---.... 259 

— — Col. Williams defeats a considerable party of British and tories 

at Musgrove's mill, on the Enoree river - - - 055 

-■'.■— j^ Surprise and defeat at Fishing creek of Sumter's detachment, 
and release of 300 British prisoners by Tarleton 

...-™, Thirty-eight of the most influential citizens of Charleston for- 
cibly transported to St. Augustine by order of Lord Corn- 
v/qllis ■• - .. , _ o,-j^ 



1*80 Gen. Marion attacks and defeats a superior force of lories at 
Black Mingo swamp, and shortly after surprises and com- 
pletely defeats Col. Tyne with a large body of tories, in the 
fork of Black river .,.,... 

— =— Battle of King's mountain — defeat of the British and tories 
under Col. Ferguson, by the American volunteer troops 
commanded by Cols. Campbell, Cleveland, Shelby, Servier, 
and Williams ........ 263 

■ The British under Weyms defeated by Sumter on Broad river, 26S 

Twenty-three more of the patriotic citizens of Charleston 

shipped off by the British general . . . . 261 
Battle of the Blackstocks near Tyger river; Tarleton defeated 

by Sumter ......... 268 

1781 Battle of the Cowpens. Defeat of the British under Tarle- 
ton, by Gen. Morgan , .... 269 

— >— Sumter destroys the British magazines at Granly ; swims 

across the Santee with 350 horsemen ; attacks and defeats 

Major Frazier with a considerable force of British regulars 

and militia ......... 273 

Col. Thomas Taylor harasses the garrison at fort Granly . 276 

Surprise of fort Balfour at Pokataligo by Col. Harden . 376 

The American cavalry surprised and routed at Monk's corner 

by Col. Tarleton 249 

■ Surrender of Fort Watson to the force under Gen. Marion and 

Col, Lee .,....,.. 274 

• Battle of Hobkirk's hill ; retreat of Gen. Green to Gum 

swarap ....... . . 275 

Evacuation of Camden by the British, under Lord Rawdon 276 

The British garrison at Orangeburg surrenders to Gen. Sumter 

Charleston surrenders to tlie British forces under Sir Henry 

Clinton 247 

, The British post at Nelson's ferrj' evacuated and destroyed 

Fort Granly surrenders by captiulation to Col. Lee . 276 

The British garrison at ninety six besieged by Gen. Green ; 

the celebrated Koscuisko, chief engineer is wounded ibid 

— — Surrender of Augusta to Pickens and Lee by Col. Brown 

commanding the fort ...... 

■ Gen. Green, on the appearance of Lord Rawdon with a 

considerable i-einforcement, raises the siege and retreats 27'? 

Gen. Green offers battle to Lord Rawdon at Orangeburg, 

who declines . 278 

In the short space of fifteen months upwards of 800 of tlie 

brave men confined in the prison ships expired . . 296 

- — Captain Eggleton captures 48 British horse near the Saluda 

river , 278 



39 

1781 Gen. Sumler breaks up the British garrison at Biggin's Churcli 279 
-^ — Col. Hayne's advance party takes Gen. Williams prisoner 

within a few miles of Charleston ; Col. H, afterwards unfor- 
tunately falls into the hands of the British . . 289 

Col. Hayne dies a martyr to the cause of liberty . . 290 

Lord Rawdon, chagrined and baffled in all his schemes', sails for 

Europe ......... 280 

Battle of the Eutaws — the British totally defeated by Gen. 

Green; death of Lieutenant Col. Campbell of the Virginia 

line .......... 280 

The tories act cruelly and shamefully during this year . 287 

Gen Pickens penetrates the hostile Cherokee settlements and com- 
pels them again to sue for peace ..... 278 

Green with a small force surprises the British force at Dor- 
chester, and compels them to retire to the quarter house 
near Charleston ....... 282 

1782 Marion's brigade, during his absence, surprised near Santee by 

a parly of British horse under Col. Thomson (the late cele- 
brated Count Rumford) ...... 283 

Gen. Gist attacks the British force at Combahee ferry : the 

gallant Col. Laurens is mortally wounded 

The last drop of blood shed in this war : Capt. Wilmot of the 

Maryland line killed on James island . . , , 283 

Charleston evacuated by the British . . . . 285 

1782 Confiscation of estates of tories and loyalists passed. 26th Feb. 

1782, in Jaeksonborough. . . . . . 

1783 Charlestown incorporated and called Charleston . . 395 
'— Statesburg settled — Claremont established in 1788 

Cotton cultivated but little for exportation until 1794 

1785 The Methodists make their first apj^carance as a church . 21 & 
1792 Orphan house in Charleston established ; goes into opera- 
tion 1794 o . . . 419 

1786 The town of Columbia ordered to be laid out and made the 

seat of government, Pi^arch 22, 1786 State i-ecords remov- 
ed there, December 1st, 1789; the first legislature meet 
there, January, 1790 ....... 520 

1790 The present constitution of the state ratified at Columbia, 

June 3 ......... 19 L 

1788 Instalment law passed ; the last attempt to interfere between 
debtor and creditor in this state : last instalment made pay- 
/ able 25th March, 1793, when the act expired 

1791 Right of primogeniture abolished, and an equal distribution 

of intestates' estates granted . , . , . 

-'— " The Roman Catholiws organized int« a church = 21? 



40 

1791 Gen. VViisluugiuii visits Charleston; is iccei\'cd l>y liic citizeiii 

with enthusiasm 34ii 

1792 A new era in the yelloAV fever, average deaths 165 in four 

months .......... 14j 

1798 Tiie state divided into 24 counties parishes and districts; three 

years al\er into 25, and shortly alter hito the present 
number, 28 ...... ^ . 19S 

1796 The French Protestant church again destroyed by lire; rebuilt 

in 1799 418 

1799 The yellow fever considerably abates both in firequency and 

violence ; average deaths 96, mostly Europeans . . 14 j 
The office of comptroller general of the state established 214 

1800 County courts abolished, and district courts established in the 

several districts .... ... 195 

1801 Santee canal finished and goes into operation : the work 

begun in 1793 ..... i . 

1802 Vaccination introduced by Dr. Ramsay .... 141 

South Carolina college founded, and goes into operation 1804 699 

1804 Another hurricane, after a lapse of 52 years ; an immense 

amount of property destroyed ..... 447 

1807 Right of suiTrage extended to all citizens, without rcqxiiring 
a property qualification ...... 

1811 General Free School system for poor chihh-en established 214 

1812 Bank of the state established ibid 

War declared ag-ainst Great Britain by the United States 291 

1814 Treaty of peace signed at Ghent, December 24th 

Sugar successfully raised in Beaufort district . . . 367 

1816 St. Paul's church, Radcliii'borough, Charleston, consecrated 

1817 Moultrieville incorporated, having 200 houses . . , 426 

System of internal improvement established , . . 214 

1819 Cheraw began to be important as a commercial place 498 

1821 Hamburg founded, and becomes a commercial place 523 

1822 The hurricane of this year verv destructive in the low ootm- 

try, many lives lost ....... 447 

St. Stephen's chapel, Charleston, established as a free church 

1^25 Gen. La Fayette visits this state atter an interval oi' 47 years ; 

,.p(.pivci:1 with the hi^hes*: hoi^onv= ... 39'^ 



SUBSCRIBERS^ NAMES 



STATISTICS or SOUTH CMSLOMMMn 



CHARLESTOjY. 
Ainsley, Dr. R. 
Adger, James 
Alston, Pinckney 
Aikin, William 
Bacot, T. W. 
Bennet, Thomas 
Bacot, Peter 
Bust, Rev. Arthur 
Bennet, Joseph 
Burgoyne, William 
Bay, Andrew 
Black, Alexander 
Baker, Joseph 
Surges, Samuel 
Banks, W. L. 
Broughton, Andrew 
Bee, Barnard 
Ball, John 
Bell, Wm. 
Blackwood, Thomas 
Brodei, Robert 
Bentham, Robert 
Cochran, Charles B. 
Crafts, Wm. 
Canter, D. 
/Cruger, Lewis 
' Coffin, Thomas A . 
Carson, Wm. A 
r'ogdell^ John S 



Cheesborough, JohB 
Cleary, N. G- 
Calwel, R. 
City Council 
Crughton, James 
Cuthbert, James 
Dawson, Charles B.. 
Dick, James 
Dunkin, Benj. F- 
Davis, G. Y. 
Delessline, F. A. 
Elliot, Stephen 
Edmondston, Charles 
Elfe, Robert 
Eager, Robert 
Ferguson, James 
Furman, C. M. 
Furman, H. H- ' 
Frazer, John 
Fitzsimons, Charles 
Frazier, J. G. 
Gaillard, Peter, Sen. 
Gunther, F. G. H- 
Gadsden, John 
Gadsden, Thomas 
Goddard, Rene 
Gregson, Thomae 
Gourdin, Henry 
Gordon, John 
Grimke, Henrt^ 



4» 



Gervois, P. T. 
Gibbs, Robert 
Gibbs, Wilmot S. 
Huger, Alfred 
Hibben, James, Jr. 
Hamilton, James, Jr> 
Huger, Daniel 
Holmes, J. E. 
Hunt, Benj. P. 
Howard, John 
Horry, Elias,-^' 
Harper, W. W. 
Huger, Judge • 
Hinley, Thomas W. 
Hayward, Nathaniel 
Hayne, Robert Y. 
rOn, Bond 
Jerman, James E. 
Jervais, Thomas H. 
Insurance Office, Union 
Jones, Thomas L. 
Izard, Henry 
Johnson, Joseph 
Johnson, John 
Keith, Matthew 
Kennedy, L. H. 
King, Mitchell 
Kerr, Thomas J. 
Kershaw and Lewis 
Kiddell, Charles 
Kittlesand, John B. 
Lee, Judge 
Lamb, James 
Lowden, John 
Library Society 
Lazarus, M. 
Lowndes, James 
Lusher, W. D. 
Littls, Robert 
Laurens, H. E. 
Luval, Wm. 
Livingston.Rob ert 



Middleton, H. A. 
Middleton, John 
Memminger, C. G. 
McKelvey, R. 
Mitchell, James D. 
Macbeth, Charles 
Martin, Robert 
Mordecai, Thomas W< 
Mikell, Robert, Jun. 
Middleton, O. H. 
Milliken, Thomas 
Mills, O. and S. 
Motte, Ab. 
MiUs, Thomas 
Middleton, Thomas 
Middleton, Arthur S. 
McDowall, Andrew 
Middleton, Arthur 
May, Pleasant H. 
Magwood, Simon 
Milne, Andrew 
Martin, Thomas 
Manet, Anthony 
Mills, W. H. c" 
O'Hara, Henry 
Overstreet, W. 
O'Neale, James 
Pinkney, H. L. 
Pepoon, Benj. F. 
Parker, W. H. 
Parker, Charles 
Petigrue, J. L. 
Pringle, Robert -^ 
Pringle, Robert A. 
Pricleau, S. 
Quash, Francis 
Roper, Robert W. 
Rouse, Wm. 
Rouse, James W. 
Reid, Rev. George 
Ring, M. 
Ravenel, Dr. H. 



4a 



Eamaay, Dr. John 
Ramsay, Nathanie!. 
Rowe, — — 
Ross, James 
Rutledge, John 
Ross, James 
Reynolds, Joshua 
Riley, James 
Rowland, Charles E. 
Richardson, Judge 
Strobel, M. 
Spund, Peter J. 
Simons, Keatiag 
Snowden, W. E. 
Sommers, John W. 
Smith, Wm. 
Smith, W. L. 
Steedman, Charles John 
Taylor, Josiah 
Towey, Hury 
Vanderhorst, R. W. 
Vineyard, J. 
Vardell, Thomas A. 
Walker, Robert 
Warley, Charles 
Wilkins, M. L. 
Wilson, Hugh 
Wesner, Fred. 
White, John B. 
Wilden, John 
Wragg, Samuel 
Wilson, John L. 
Youngblood, General 

COLUMBIA . 

Arthur, J. R. 
Blanding, Ab. 
Bryce, John 
B/ickel, Wm. 
Brown, Robert 
Black, James A. 
Blackburn, A. M. E. 



Brown, William 
Beck, Charles 
Bryce, Robert 
Chappell, John J. 
\ College, South Carolina 
"^ County, John 

Cooper, Dr. Thomas 
Clessey, Peter 
Desaussure, Wm. F, 
Desausure, H. W. 
Davis, Dr. James 
Deleon, Dr, 
Daniels, James M. 
Evart David 
Elmore, Benj. F. 
Edmonds, R. L„ 
Faust, D. 
Gregg, John 
Gant, Judge 
Guignard,J. S. 
Goodwin, James T. 
Goirie, James 
Green. James 
Green, Samuel 
Herbemont, N. 
Jlolmes, James G. 
Hayne, W. E. 
Hilliary, William 
Hampton, General Wade 
Hampton, Col. Wade 
Lusher, Henry M. 
Manning, Governor 
McCord, DaTid 
Meanse, Rev. Robert 
Murphey, John D. A- 
Mark, Dr. Elias 
Man, Spencer 
Middleton, Wm. J. 
Mayrant, Wm. JuiK 
Man, Spencer J. 
Maxey, E. H. 
Cott, Ab., Judges 



i\'ott, Henify 
Preston, W. C 
Parker, J. W, 
Pearce, Samuel. 
Percival, S. 
Plant, B. D. 
Quin, H. H. 
Ramsay, Nath. 
Speer, Alexander 
Sweeny, D. E. 
Taylor, John 
Taylor,*. F. 
Taylor, Thomas 
Taylor, Jesse 
Vanuxen, L. 
Willison, Thomas F, 
Wallace, James 
Wilson, Rev. Mr. 
Wallace, James 
Wells, Dr. 

ABBEVILLE. 

Bull, Wm. A. 
Davis, E. S. 
Mijrick, Littleton 
McComb, John 
Noble, Patrick 
Wardlaw, D. L. 

BARJ^WELL. 

Brown, B. H. 
Erwin, James D. 

Patterson, Augustus 
Bush, Capt. 

BEAUFORT- 

Beck, Jos. H. 
Barksdale, Thomas F. 
Barnwell, Robert W. 
Joyner, Wm. 
Morral, G. W, 
Mauer, John J. 
Pope, Wm. 



EDGEFIELD. 

Butler, Francis 
Bettes, Jesse 
Brooks, Whitefield 
Bauskett, John 
Butler, Leontine 
Butler, A. P. 
Cooburno, John 
Daniel, William 
Key, John 
McDufTy, George 
Simkins, Eldred 
Tiney, James 
Wilkinson, James E. O- 
Wallace, Beaufort A. 
Wardlaw, F. H. 

GEORGETOWjY. 

AUston, Joseph W. 4 Cop. 
Allston, Robert J. W, 
Carr, Thomas 
Middleton, Henry A= 
Porter, John 
Thomas, J. W. B. 

AUGUSTA, 
Allen, John R. 

CAMDEM 

Blanding, Dr. 
Campbell, Jones 
Carter, John C 
Levy, Chapman 
Nixon, W. O. 
Nixon, H. G. 
Reid, Lemuel 
Reid, Dr. Evander 
Shannon, Charles J- 
Salmond, Thomae 
Young, James 

CHESTERFIELD- 
C?raig, Hugh 



45 



Robert, Peter L. 

CHESTER. 
Colburn, G. B. 
Goore, G. W. 
Mills, Robert. G. 
MeKee, John 
Robinson, Robert 
Ellison, Robert D. 

COLLETOJf. 

Moorer, Daniel 
Walker, George 
Strobell, John, Jun. 

CAMBRIDGE. 

Conner, Catlet 
McGehr, John 

FAIRFIELD. 

'Barldey, James 
Means, Thomas 

GREENVILLE. 
Earl, General 
Harrison, John H. 
Kilgore^ Josiah 
Walker, Tandy 

KERSHAW. 

Boyldn, J. 

PEJVDLETOM 

Anderson, Robert 
Cherry, Samuel 
Grisham, Joseph 
Reese, Geo., Jira. 
Whitner, James A. 

WIJfMSBORO UGH. 

Aiken, David 
Clarke, Caleb 



Campbell, Josepb- 
Campbell, James 
Bleans, J, 
McCall, John B. 
Pearson,. E. 
Feaster, Jacob, Jtm. 
Stafford, Samuel M. 

ST. STEPHEJSrs. 

Deveaux, St. G. 
Dubose, Wm. 
Porcher, Philip S. 
Peck, J. 

LAUREJfS. 
Cunningham, R. 

Downs, 

Farrow, Patillo 
^"^Jimter, John 
Wilson, Simpson 

ORAJVGEBURG. 

Felder. J. M. ■ 

Glover, Sanders 
Glover, Thomas W. 

Govan, A. R. 
M'Cord, R. B. 
Richardson, Edward 
Saliey, A. M. 

POCOTALIGO. 

Trampton, John jun. 

ST. JOHJrS COLLETOJT. 
Tripp, John W. 
Reynolds, Benj- 

ALABAMA. 
Files, David Tuscaloosa. 

STATESBUR&: 
Kinloch, Francis 



46 



Mayrant ,ohu 
Waites, Thomas, Judge 

WILLIAMSBURG. 

Gotea, John 
Salters, WilHam 



WALTERBOROUGH. 

Elmore, F. H. 
Rayson, James 

PLATTSPRIJVGS. 

Geeger, Ab. 



ST. JOHJrS, BERKLEY. RICHLAJVD. 

Haig, H. M. Bookter, C. 

Porcher, Thomas Patridge, Major 



MARLBOROUGH. 
Hearsay, G. T. 

YORIC 

Davison, Robert 
Henry, W. D. 
Henry, John 
Ross, George 
Smith, Judge 
Williams, Thomas jun, 
Whyte, G. A. 

SUMTER. 

Dugan, Thomas 
James, Judge 
Sumter, General 

ST. GEORGES, Dorchester. 
Koger, Joseph jun. 3 cop. 

DORCHESTER. 
Ladson, Charles B. 

EDISTO ISLAJVD. 
Seyhrook, William 
Townsend, John 



Smith, 



VIEJfjy'A, Md. 



MARIOJS". 



Woodburv, Wm. 



SPARTAJTBURG. 
Brannon, J. 
Farrow, John 
Glass, John 
Poole, Foster J. 
Sm'th, Eber 
Trimmer, Wm. 
Nesbitt, W. 

ST. THOMAS. 

Bryon, John G. 

JS-EWBERRY. 
Brown, John G. 
Caldwell, John 
Griffen, John R. 
O'Neale, John B. 

CHERAW. 

Gillespie, Sam. Wilds 
Gillespie, James Jun. 
Williams, Thomas G. 

UJ^IOM. 
Borrka, 
Bauskett, 
Farr, T. G, 
Johnson, Judge 
Moorman, Joseph 
McKibber, James 



Sims, Wra. 
Sims, G. S. 
iiskew, L. R. 
i^ennet, Jordan 
Brau-g-s, T. M. 
Beard, Alexander 
Bennet, Antiiony 
Clovvny, Wm. R. 
Gowen, Charles 
Gist, Nat. C. 
Gault, Wyatt 
Joiinson, Judge D. 
Perry, Wm. 
nice, Wm. 

Sims, James S. 

Spencer, R. H, 

Bar], R. 

Case, Dudley 

Collins, Josepii 

Dunn, Wm. 

Foster Allen 

Farr, Wm. B. 

Farr, Wm. B. R. 

Glenn, Wm. W. 

Grady, Reuben 

Gardner, A. H. 

Hanes, Lemuel 

Martin R. 

Reid, J. L. 

Tijomas D. 



47 

Tiiomas, James V. 
Thompson, A. W, 
Thomas, David A. 
WJiitelock, L. 

WJiSHIjXGTOJSr CITY. 

Calhoun, John C, Vice President 

of the United States. 
Leckie, Robert 
War Department 

PHILADELPHIA. 

Gheves, Langdon 

YORKVILLE. 

Clandenen, R. 
Martin, John G. 
Moore, Gordon. 

LEXIJVGTOJY. '^ 

Caug-hman, West :'' 

Swygert, Jacob ''' 

SUMTERVILLE. 

Miller, John B, 

LAJ^CASTER. 

Pervey, A. 
Porcher, Samuel 



ERRATA. 

This worlc !50t having* been printeLl under ihe iinmeLliate inspection o-i' 
either the author or the publisher, and the jnanuscript, in some parts, owjng 
to interlineations and erasures, being almost illegible, several errors have 
crept into the text. Some of tlie most important are the following : — 

Page 19, line 8, in part of the impression, for Amo read " Arno." 

20, 13, lor operatioas I'ead " operation.'' 
18, after outlet insert " ihey." 

21, 4, Note, for Keruan read "Kirwan." 

22, Note, the same error occurs twice, and once on p. 23. 
37, 10, from bottom, for spires read "spurs." 

39, 14, from bottom, for rooted read " i-olled." 

48, 16, for Powlet read " Pacolet." 

57, 2, for Temple read " Teaipe." 

60, i>. from bottom, for mild read " wild." 

(55, 3, from bottom, for beneficial read " beneficent." 

66, 2, from bottom, dele " gon." 

66, bottom line, read " carminative." 

75, 12, from bottom,, read '' aperient in." 

85, at top read " peripneumony." 

112, 12. from bottom, road " mauvaise honte." 

131, 2, for side read " pine." 

133, 1 1, from bottom, read " Breda, Buda." 

137, 5, Jrom bottom, lor pneumoneas read '• peripneumonies.'' 

151, 2, froQi bottom, for '30th read " 35th." 

159, 10, read "• Girham's." 

161, 17, for was read '• is." 

179, 6. for S. W. 29' read '' S. 29° W." &c. 
9, for S. E. 40^ read " S. 40° E." Szc. 

12, lor N. E. 54" 30' read " N, 54° 30' E." &c. 
185, 5, insert "• him." 

193, 4, strike out " Perrysburg." 

215, 9, from bottom, for Wager read "Huger." 

237, 14, from bottom, dele " of." 

349, 6, insert " it from." 

359, 8, insert " it from." 

13, insei-t "it from." 

419, 12, from bottom, read "J. S. Cogdell. 
The note at the inmie of this gentleman belongs to that of Thomas Corata.- 




IB 7s 

LBJL 'OB 



